Texting vs. Email: Which Type of Internal Communications is More Effective?

by Mitch Tor | Last Updated: Sep 3, 2022

There are many ways that you can communicate with your employees, what are the differences between texting vs email and which one is more effective?

Why Do You Need Internal Communications?

As a business owner, you need to communicate with your employees for a variety of reasons. You may need to give them updates on company news, changes in policy, or simply relay important information. No matter the reason, it's important that you choose the right method of communication. There are many options available to you, but two of the most popular are texting and email. So, which is the better option? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each:

Texting vs Email: The Pros and Cons

Texting

Pros: -Can be done quickly -Easily personalized -Can reach a large audience all at once Cons: -May be seen as informal -Response time may not be immediate

Email

Pros: -Can be formal or informal -Allows you to include attachments -Can be scheduled in advance Cons: -Takes longer to write than a text -Not all employees check their email regularly So, which is the better option? It depends on your needs. If you need to quickly reach a large audience, texting may be the way to go. However, if you need to include attachments or want to ensure that your message is seen, email is a better choice. Ultimately, the best method of communication is the one that meets your needs.

When Should I Communicate Using Text?

We just talked about the pros and cons between texting and email but what are the different situations you should use text to communicate with your employees? Times when text works: -When you want to give a quick update -When you need to communicate with a large group of people at once -When you need a quick response Most of the time text is meant for more informal communications or times you want to interrupt your employee's workflow to get a message in front of them. You should use text when you have something urgent or important to communicate that can't wait.

When Should I Communicate Using Email?

Email is best used for more formal communications or when you need to include attachments. Times when email works: -When you want to send a formal update -When you need to include attachments -When you want to communicate with a specific group of people -When you want to schedule your communication in advance Email is a great option when you want to cc a group of people on an update or include additional information like links or images. It's also a good choice when you don't need an immediate response.

How Can I Communicate with My Employees Effectively?

If you have been running a business or part of a corporation, you have already communicated with your employees. That's why we want to talk about some of the ways you can improve your existing communication strategy rather than reinvent it. Here are a few quick tips for effective internal communications: -Keep your messages clear and concise -Choose the right method of communication for your needs -Make sure you have the attention of your audience before sending -Follow up to ensure that your message was received and understood -Encourage feedback and open communication By following these tips, you can improve your internal communications and make sure that your messages are being received loud and clear.

What Tools Can I Use to Improve My Internal Communications?

There are a variety of tools available to help you improve your internal communications. Some tools exist to improve your current channels of communicating with employees, and other tools function as their own channels, like employee messaging platforms.

Lumavate

Lumavate is a digital experience platform (DXP) that allows users to create stunning mobile apps, employee and customer portals, and any other digital experience you can think of. Lumavate is a powerful internal communication tool because it can create personalized experiences for every class of employee in a matter of days and not months. On top of that, Lumavate has messaging functionality so you can communicate directly with your employees right from the Lumavate platform.

Slack

Slack is a team messaging platform that allows you to communicate with your employees in real-time. Slack also integrates with a variety of other tools, like Google Drive and Dropbox, so you can share files and documents easily. Slack is a great option if you need a quick way to communicate with your employees or if you want to create specific channels for different topics.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a team messaging platform that is included in Office 365. Microsoft Teams allows you to chat with your colleagues in real-time, share files, and even make video calls. Microsoft Teams is a great option if you are already using Office 365 for your business. Any of the tools will help you to effectively communicate with your employees. Some of the tools like Slack and Teams, put the e-mail/text debate to rest by giving you a specified platform for communication. Other tools like Lumavate can use modes of communication like text or email to communicate with your audience directly on the platform. If you want to learn more about different tools available to elevate your internal communications, read more or book a demo with Lumavate today.