Internal communication that adds value to the organization and increases employee engagement has never been an easy task. Remote working and hybrid working have increased significantly by 2024, bringing new challenges for organizations. To effectively adapt internal communications to these changes, it is essential to continuously develop and adapt strategy.
Follow these best practices to successfully support hybrid working and increase employee engagement.
The first step to effective communication is to pay attention to the needs of employees and constantly refine your communication approach. Modern workplaces need to move away from autocratic management methods and give employees a voice so that they can become active participants in the life of the organization.
Conducting research and understanding employee needs is essential to developing effective communication. On this basis, a personalized communication strategy can be created.
Listening to and incorporating employee opinions helps to understand real challenges and increases engagement and satisfaction.
The value of feedback lies in the tangible changes and improvements it can bring to the communication environment. It is important for managers not only to listen to employees but also to act on the feedback they receive and to provide regular feedback to employees on the impact of changes.
Building trust in the workplace is critical for morale, motivation, and organizational performance. For hybrid and remote working to be successful, the organization and employees need to develop mutual trust.
Managers need to trust that employees can perform their tasks, while employees need to feel supported by management and given the tools they need to succeed.
Engaging employees and creating a sense of belonging is crucial in a hybrid workplace. Internal communication needs to have a clear strategy on how best to engage with employees and how to use the different communication channels in a targeted and effective way.
Employees need to know where to turn for information and how to participate in the life of the organization, which increases engagement and reduces frustration.
Organizational values and common goals help to foster a sense of belonging. Employees need to be aware of how their work contributes to the larger goals of the organization. Regular meetings, such as company events, provide an opportunity for employees to learn directly about organizational goals, challenges, and achievements.
A people-centered approach is essential for the success of hybrid working. According to a survey, 84% of employees who work from home plan to continue working in a hybrid environment. Internal communication is therefore key to ensuring that these employees are properly supported.
Studies show that 60% of companies do not have a long-term internal communication strategy. Hybrid working poses new challenges, so it is essential to develop a well-thought-out, phased communication strategy that helps employees get the information they need at the right time, without being overwhelmed.
It is also necessary to measure strategic objectives and monitor the effectiveness of communication to ensure continuous improvement.
In a hybrid working environment, it is essential that internal communication supports collaboration between teams and ensures that all employees have up-to-date information. A strong, stable office environment can increase employees' cognitive performance by up to 25%.
Adapting a channel strategy to the hybrid workplace is a top priority for businesses. Rather than overusing email, it is important to ensure that communication channels are targeted and that internal communication is aligned with the tools used by employees.
Sharing stories and celebrating employee successes is crucial to increasing engagement. Lack of support from management is a major cause of employee burnout. Celebrating success and setting positive examples helps to increase engagement and motivation.
Measuring the effectiveness of internal communication is key, especially in a hybrid working environment. Many internal communicators struggle with the lack of tools or training to analyze the data available. It is therefore important that they are properly supported in analyzing data and evaluating the effectiveness of their communication strategy.
