In recent years, departments responsible for information management within companies have received a substantial boost from new internal communication tools.
With promises to distribute information equally, promote the integration of sectors or branches, and monitor employee productivity, these tools were quickly adopted by managers without selection criteria and, consequently, a full understanding of their full potential.
For this reason, in today’s post, we present an analysis of how internal communication tools can facilitate remote management and clarify their features, which are often underutilized in companies. Follow along:
The main internal communication tools
There are several technologies that can be incorporated to manage communication within companies, ranging from public-use tools to licensed software and services:
Instant messaging applications
WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are widely used in the corporate environment and, although in some cases they are not official channels, these channels deserve managers’ attention due to their agility and practicality.
However, it is necessary to consider which announcements will be broadcast through these channels and the frequency of use so that practicality does not end up turning into distraction.
Videoconferencing
Online transmission tools like Skype and Hangout have two major advantages: they promote real-time interaction between physically distant employees and allow the video to be recorded and used at other times and for future instructions.
Corporate TV
Less instant but more aggregating than the first two items on the list, Corporate TV allows the creation of exclusive programming according to demands and internal campaigns, complying with standards and using various types of media to communicate between the company and its employees.
In addition to greater impact, Corporate TV facilitates information management and streamlines the communication process with real-time updates and data segmentation according to various internal audiences.
Intranet
In an environment where most employees have access to computers or smartphones, the intranet becomes a robust tool for managing general interest notices and information. Companies with multiple branches or employees working remotely have their internal communication management facilitated by centralizing notices in a single, planned portal.
Planning the company’s internal communication
With so many tools available on the market, a company must plan its internal communication considering certain criteria and needs.
The size of the organization, the number of branches, employees and representatives allocated outside headquarters, the work logistics of each employee, current communication difficulties, the useful life of the internal communication tools chosen for management, and much more.
An investment in this area must be justified by the benefits it will bring to the company. Considering that employee knowledge and engagement have a major effect on company productivity, this choice is even more strategic.
The advantages of efficient internal communication
After analyzing the company’s particularities and planning how internal communication will be managed, it is necessary to understand what other advantages communication tools can bring.
These benefits can also guide the choice of internal communication tools or the prioritization of those currently used by the company. Among them, we can mention:
Cost reduction
In companies with multiple branches or a plant with many information points, such as bulletin boards or notice boards, for example, the dynamics of distributing notices can be compromised and become expensive and costly, making the communication process burdensome and lacking in credibility.
The internal communication tools we discussed above bring greater dynamism and agility to daily operations, making the communication process faster and more accurate, and elevating internal communication to the level it should have, often with the same investment (or less) as printed materials and inefficient channels.
Versatility and mobility
A versatile internal communication improves the absorption of the information that the company needs to pass on to its employees. Furthermore, a fast and efficient communication process minimizes potential murmurs and generates more credibility and trust among employees.
Various formats can be adopted, such as videos, animations, texts, and images. Each of them reaches the internal audience in a different way, which makes internal communication more assertive. In addition, these platforms also favor mobility, as they are easily accessible and use everyday devices.
Visual management
Making relevant data and information available regarding project progress, area and company indicators, percentage of goals achieved, among others, makes employees feel even more a part of the company.
Visual management practices, in addition to minimizing rework and losses, further motivate and engage employees in the company’s causes and campaigns, resulting in a direct gain that is practically immeasurable but highly noticeable.
Reinforcement of corporate values
Strengthening the organization’s values is one of the greatest effects and main advantages of using internal communication tools.
Once again, it is important to emphasize that choosing them is, in itself, an indication of your values and business profile. Innovative and competitive companies must adopt tools compatible with their objectives.
Employee motivation and engagement
In addition to highlighting examples of good employees, these internal communication tools can also publicize the benefits the company offers, the objectives it intends to achieve in the market, and good business practices.
Free training schedules, events, and even suggestions for leisure time motivate and engage employees to pursue better results and quality of life.
Integration and process improvement
When well planned, communication can also foster employee integration and, consequently, process improvement, representing a considerable gain in productivity.
It is not uncommon for employees to narrow their vision only to the activities they perform, but such tools can help them see the entire production process and manage to create solutions for process improvement.
Internal communication tools are as fundamental as customer management systems and software are for financial management, because among other features they have the important mission of extracting the best performance from a company’s human resources.
How do you classify your company’s internal communication today? Do you think improvements in this area should be part of the strategic planning for this year in your company? Leave your opinion here in the comments!
