The public sector is entering the era of human-centred design – where employee experience (EX) and...
The State of Internal Communications
3 minute read
Within the dynamic landscape of organisational dynamics, the pulse of effective operations often beats within the corridors of internal communications. As organisations navigate through a myriad of challenges and opportunities, the efficacy of internal communication channels becomes pivotal in fostering connectivity, disseminating information, and nurturing a cohesive culture. We embarked on a journey to unravel the essence of internal communications in today's workplaces, sending out a survey to over 30,000 members of our Engage Employee community.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Our survey covered a diverse spectrum of organisational sizes, ranging from small enterprises with fewer than 100 employees to large corporations boasting over 10,000 personnel. Notably, the majority of respondents hailed from mid-sized enterprises with 501 to 2,500 employees.
65.62% of respondents identified themselves as primarily responsible for managing internal communications, showcasing a dedicated cohort committed to fostering robust communication networks within their organisations.
Delving deeper into industry affiliations, the financial sector emerged as a frontrunner, with 25% of respondents representing finance and banking institutions. However, it's worth noting the diverse landscape, with contributions from sectors spanning media, healthcare, manufacturing, and nonprofit organisations, among others.
87.5% of respondents also revealed that they have adopted a hybrid remote/in-person work model, reflecting the evolving dynamics spurred by technological advancements and shifting workplace paradigms.
PERCEPTION OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
In assessing the current state of internal communications, a resounding 50% of respondents rated it as above average, signifying a commendable level of satisfaction. Furthermore, a staggering 86.11% reported an improvement compared to the preceding year, underscoring the strides made in enhancing internal communication channels.
BUDGET ALLOCATION AND PERCEPTION
Despite the recognition of internal communications' significance, budgetary allocations showcased a mixed landscape, with fluctuations observed in the past year. Specifically, 50% of respondents disclosed that the internal communications budget resides within the internal communications department itself, indicative of a decentralised budgetary structure.
IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The belief in the transformative power of internal communications echoed loudly, with an overwhelming 94.12% of respondents agreeing that it strongly influences employee engagement. Moreover, 41.67% acknowledged its pivotal role in bolstering business revenue, underscoring its multifaceted impact on organisational success.
However, a disparity surfaced in measuring these impacts, with a significant proportion relying on anecdotal evidence rather than robust metrics. While 82.35% utilised surveys to gauge employee retention, a concerning 91.30% admitted to not measuring the impact on business revenue.
TOOLS AND PLATFORMS
In exploring the conduits of information dissemination, a plethora of channels emerged, ranging from traditional email platforms to modern intranet systems and digital signage. 88.57% leveraged web platforms or intranet systems, highlighting the indispensable role of digital mediums in facilitating seamless communication flows.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Despite the strides made, challenges loom large on the horizon, with organisational alignment and leadership engagement emerging as focal points for improvement. While 42% acknowledged consistent leadership engagement, a significant 55% perceived it as sporadic, hinting at untapped potential in fostering leadership involvement.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
Our survey transcended geographical boundaries, with the United Kingdom serving as the primary locus of respondents. However, glimpses of global diversity emerged, with inputs pouring in from regions as diverse as Thailand, Cyprus, India, and Afghanistan, reflecting the universal relevance of internal communications in the contemporary corporate landscape.
As we weave through the labyrinth of insights gleaned from our survey, a vivid tapestry of perspectives emerges, showcasing the pivotal role of internal communications in sculpting organisational narratives. While strides have been made, the journey towards fostering a culture of robust communication and engagement remains an ongoing saga, replete with challenges and opportunities waiting to be embraced.
In today’s modern workplaces, the potency of internal communications shines bright as a beacon guiding organisations towards cohesion, connectivity, and collective success.
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