Your business is facing constant change. How can you leverage internal communications to stay ahead?

To stay ahead amidst constant change, leverage internal communications by maintaining regular, transparent updates on organizational developments and their impacts. Foster a culture of adaptability by encouraging feedback and open dialogue, which helps employees stay informed and engaged. Use various communication channels to reach different audiences effectively and provide training or resources to help staff navigate changes. By keeping everyone aligned and informed, you can better manage transitions and minimize disruption.

Be transparent with your team as much as possible, learning about changes from media or hearsay can quickly escalate to dissatisfaction and toxic atmosphere. Explain and inform on time, and allow for questions. Where possible inform via intranet, town halls, pyramid or team meetings if group one is hard to organize. Do not forget all levels and hybrid and remote colleagues. Encompass all points as to why, who, what it will affect and what the future will bring. Pick platforms that allow for comments and feedbacks and enable communication which allows for direct consultations should the changes involve tectonic changes within company goals, culture and teams.

We seem to live in a world of constant change. Sometimes it feels that there isn't business as usual any longer and we just move from facilitating (or navigating) from one change to another. Understanding the nature of change is the most important starting point for Internal communicators. We are the ones who can help remove fears and uncertainty - which are natural factors to be dealing with in times of change - by clearly explaining the rationale for changes ahead, the outcomes the organisation is aiming to achieve as a result, and ultimately reduce anxiety levels and resistance, and improve engagement. Be clear when communicating and use simple language - and remember, communicate frequently, even when there isn't much new to share.

Communication is the key to change If we want to get and keep everyone on board, it is important to meet employees at eye level and keep them informed.

All communication with the teams should be conveyed with understanding of the listener, as both written and verbal word can be misunderstood depending on the situation and context. Something that is logical to decision makers can be illogical to end listener so employ HR and communication teams, and again allow for two-way communication. Keep in mind that every change can be stressful, regardless of nature, so inspiration and motivation should always be present in all internal communications. You can never have too much loyalty and respect, and internal communications are the path to reaching this with healthy goals and company culture.

Periodically check and research on platforms and improvements on communication channels with your teams and provide training and optional ways of relaying information for all departments and teams, understanding cultural, working, timezone or generational differences. Constantly keep teams in the loop and make sure before external news are sent, internally your staff is on par as they can be your best ambassadors externally too. Where possible provide assistance and information for communication/news sharing and profile updates. Invest in knowledge base platforms and development, internal chats, forums, etc.