- Know
your objective
What
is the purpose of your internal communications programme? At its most
effective, it can motivate your people, create a sense of belonging
and improve productivity. It can have a negative effect if there is
no clear objective. Know what you want to achieve and focus on this
at all times.
- Include
everyone in your organisation
Include
people at every level to encourage involvement throughout your organisation
and prevent damaging divisions from arising.
- Be
open and honest
Use all
your communications channels in an open and honest way to gain the
trust and respect of your people. Without credibility, a communications
programme will waste your time and money.
- Give
your people what they want
Make
your communications useful and enjoyable. Many people want to find
out what is happening in the organisation and hear about their colleagues.
This also attracts them to participate more in the running of your
business.
- Use
the widest mix of media
Printed
newsletters, intranets, emails, noticeboards, employee briefings –
all are effective employee communications vehicles. Ask your people
which they prefer, and, depending on your budget, create the widest
mix requested.
- Give
your commitment
Commit
yourself to producing and distributing internal communications on
schedule to show how important they are. Ensure all communications
are consistent and update intranets and noticeboards with current
information.
- Bring
good and bad news
Don’t
be afraid to tell bad news; suppressing it is not the best policy.
When sensitive commercial or personal information cannot be distributed
to everyone – be honest about this.
