Internal communication is fundamental to the success of any organisation. However, despite its importance, many companies still don’t recognise its relevance and therefore face major challenges in this field, often unaware of the benefits of effective intra-organisational communication for both productivity and corporate culture.
In this article, we’ll explore the main obstacles to internal communication and the benefits of a well-implemented internal communication strategy.
The main challenges of internal communication
The action of communicating implies that there is a sender of the message and an interlocutor. For this to work, the medium must facilitate the dissemination of that message, without forgetting that “the medium is the message” (Marshall McLuhan).
And we can’t deny that we are social beings and are therefore dependent on communication in all aspects of life. But are we communicating smoothly and effectively internally in organisations? What challenges do companies face when it comes to communicating internally?
Let’s analyse the main challenges companies face when it comes to internal communication:
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Barriers to communication
Internal communication within an organisation presents a number of barriers: on the one hand, geographical difficulties, in that companies with offices in different geographies or with many remote workers face difficulties in keeping communication cohesive and aligned; on the other hand, cultural difficulties, because cultural differences can make it difficult to disseminate a message, sometimes leading to misunderstandings or conflicts, which will certainly make it difficult to transmit clear and targeted messages.
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Technology and tools
The lack of suitable tools can hinder smooth communication. Outdated or non-integrated systems make it difficult to share information, as does the lack of intranet or CRM (customer relationship management) systems that allow the work of the different teams to be interconnected, so that everyone can become more autonomous, but also more connected and motivated.
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Employee engagement
Unmotivated or disinterested employees may not engage with internal communication initiatives, resulting in ineffective information dissemination.
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Information overload
In many cases, the amount of information transmitted is so great that employees can’t absorb it all, resulting in important messages being lost and inertia on the part of teams.
Benefits of well-structured internal communication
Let’s now look at the benefits of well-structured and organised internal communication:
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Improves people’s engagement
Clear and effective communication increases employee engagement, making them feel more connected and valued by the company.
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Promotes increased productivity
With efficient communication, employees know exactly what is expected of them, reducing errors and increasing task efficiency, which contributes to more motivated teams.
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Strengthens organisational culture
Good internal communication helps to strengthen the company’s culture, aligning all employees with the organisational vision and values.
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Helps reduce conflicts
Clear and consistent messages help to reduce misunderstandings and internal conflicts, promoting a more harmonious working environment.
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Improves talent retention
Well-informed and involved employees tend to feel more satisfied and loyal to the company, reducing turnover. In short, effective internal communication is vital for organisational success, overcoming challenges such as geographical, cultural and technological barriers.
By implementing a well-structured communication strategy, companies can achieve more motivated teams, increase productivity and strengthen the corporate culture. Invest in internal communication and maximise the results of a team that is connected and aligned with the company’s objectives.
