With many companies taking a remote or hybrid approach to the workplace it is more important than ever to communicate effectively with your employees. Over the last few years, it has been a question of which mode of communication is the best when it comes to connecting with employees, so this blog will walk you through five different types of internal communication and which options may make sense for your company.
1.) Instant Messaging Platforms
Instant messaging platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams have gained a lot of popularity recently. These platforms provide a way for employees to easily communicate with each other in real time. These platforms can be used for quick questions, sharing files, and sending reminders. They work especially well because many feel that it gives a level of speed and formality of text without interrupting their personal lives. This balance makes IM platforms a great choice for agile companies that might want to build lines of communication across departments.
2.) Email
We all know how revolutionary email has been for workplace communication. Even though it's been around for some time, email is still one of the most popular forms of communication in the workplace. It is a great way to send out longer messages, updates to employees, or any sort of message that includes a file attachment. It is also a good way to keep a written record of what was communicated. One downside to email is that it can be easy to miss important messages if they get lost in an employee’s inbox.
3.) Video Conferencing
Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype have become increasingly popular over the last year. With so many people working remotely, video conferencing provides a way to have face-to-face interactions with employees. This can be helpful for team meetings, training sessions, or one-on-one check-ins. Video conferencing can also help build relationships and trust between employees and managers. You need to make sure when you use this tool that it is important enough to warrant synchronous interaction. If you have a zoom call every time you want to announce something that isn't important employees won't value the meetings as much.
4.) Intranet
An intranet is a private network that can only be accessed by employees of a company. It is typically hosted on a company’s server and can be used to store files, share announcements, and provide access to other applications like HR or accounting software. An intranet can be a great way to centralize communication and make sure that everyone has access to the same information. One downside to an intranet is that it can be difficult to set up and maintain. It requires members of the IT department to keep it running smoothly and can be expensive to host. This option is more fit for mid-size to enterprise companies. There are cheaper alternatives to Intranet with similar impact, like an employee mobile app built with a digital experience platform, which we will discuss more later.
5.) Text Message
Text messages can be a great way to send out reminders or updates to employees. They can also be used to start a conversation that can then be continued on another platform like email or instant messaging. Text messages are especially useful because they have a high open and click-through rate. However, you need to be careful with how you use text messages because they can be disruptive and annoying if used too frequently. Lumavate is a platform that allows you to create digital experiences for your employees and send messages to them right through the platform.
Which Type of Communication is Right for My Organization?
The type of communication that you use will depend on your organization and what you are trying to communicate. If you need to share a lot of information with your employees, then email or an intranet might be the best option. If you want to have a quick conversation, then instant messaging or text messaging might be better. And if you`re trying to build relationships or trust, video conferencing can be a great option.Lumavate is a platform that makes it easy to create digital experiences for your employees and customers. With Lumavate, you can easily send messages to your employees through the platform. You can also create custom digital experiences for your employees that will help them stay engaged and informed. Contact us to learn more about how Lumavate can help you communicate with your employees.
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