6 Must-Know Internal Communication Trends for a Successful H2 2024

Welcome back to another Comms Corner edition!

The world of internal communications (IC) is constantly evolving. To stay ahead of the curve and keep your employees engaged, it's crucial to understand the latest trends.?

That’s why we've compiled six key areas to focus on for a successful H2 2024.

#1 Security & Compliance First

Data breaches are on the rise, and employee data protection is paramount. Did you know there were 1.8 million data breaches in the US last year, impacting over 422 million individuals? This is often a concern for US employers, especially in California, where data protection and employee rights are being scrutinized closely.

A new legislation proposed in California, introduced by San Francisco Assemblyman Matt Haney, aims to give employees the legal right to ignore non-emergency calls and emails once the workday ends. Inspired by Australia's "right to disconnect" law, this bill would make California the first state in the US to implement such protections. Employers violating this law could face fines starting at $100 after three offenses.

Haney's bill mandates clear agreements between employers and employees regarding working hours and grants employees the right to ignore off-hours communication, except in emergencies. Remote employees working for California employers are also covered under this legislation.

Actionable tip: Invest in secure communication platforms and train employees on cybersecurity best practices. Additionally, consider setting clear boundaries and communication guidelines to ensure compliance with potential new regulations like California's proposed "right to disconnect" law. Establish transparent, upfront conversations about work hours and ensure employees know their rights to improve overall work-life balance and reduce stress.

#2 Data-Driven Decisions

A significant trend shaping internal communications today is the use of data to craft tailored communication strategies that maximize impact, especially for engaging frontline employees. These employees, often the face of your organization, require precise and impactful messaging. Tools like analytics dashboards are changing how we understand engagement levels and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that messages resonate effectively.

• Safety updates: Data-driven insights can pinpoint shifts or locations with the highest incidence of safety concerns. Through analyzing this data, you can tailor your communications to address these specific issues. For instance, personalized safety reminders or updates can be sent directly to the affected groups, ensuring that the right people receive the most relevant information. This targeted approach helps in mitigating risks and fostering a safer work environment.
• Training and development: Analyzing data on training completion rates and effectiveness provides valuable insights into how well your training programs are working. With this information, you can tailor follow-up communications to ensure that employees who need additional support receive it. Highlighting training successes and sharing these achievements can also encourage ongoing development and participation. This targeted approach ensures that training is not only completed but also effectively enhances the skills and capabilities of your frontline workforce.

Pro tip: Use data to personalize messages and measure campaign effectiveness.

#3 Tool Consolidation is Key

One of the significant trends shaping internal communications today is tool consolidation. Streamlining communication platforms is becoming essential to reduce employee frustration and administrative burden. The proliferation of tools in the workplace, often called "tech bloat," negatively impacts employee engagement and productivity:

• Too many tools lead to confusion and frustration, further diminishing the already low 33% employee engagement rate.
• App-switching consumes time and disrupts workflow, potentially losing up to 32 days of productivity per year.
• Many tools aren't optimized for mobile, hindering frontline employees who need access on the go, reducing efficiency and satisfaction.
• Maintaining over 125 SaaS applications costs $1,040 per employee annually, with most employees using only 11 apps, indicating significant waste.

However, when these tools are integrated, the employee experience improves significantly, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Remember: This trend towards consolidation doesn’t mean cutting back on essential tools or cramming everything into one HR system. It’s about integrating key parts of the employee experience—from preboarding and onboarding to development, engagement, retention, and exit processes—into a single, purpose-built platform.

#4 Building Trust in Unstable Times

There is a significant disparity between executives' and employees' perceptions of trust. While 86% of executives believe employees trust them highly, only 67% of employees reciprocate that feeling. That's why good internal communication is integral to trust. Employees who rate communication as excellent have much higher trust in leadership and are more likely to stay with their organization longer. Effective communication protects trust even during significant organizational changes.

Stat to ponder: 86% of executives believe employees trust them highly, while only 67% of employees reciprocate that feeling.?

#5 Ethical AI for IC

The integration of AI in internal communications (IC) is a significant trend shaping the industry. AI tools are increasingly being used to enhance efficiency, from automating routine tasks to translating content. However, with these advancements come ethical considerations and potential pitfalls that must be addressed.

Be mindful: Always prioritize employee privacy and human oversight when integrating AI.

#6 A Global Workforce on the Rise

The rise of global digital jobs is reshaping the labor market, with positions expected to increase from 73 million today to 92 million by 2030. This trend offers businesses access to a wider talent pool and provides workers with new opportunities. However, managing a global workforce presents internal communications (IC) challenges, such as time zone differences, language barriers, and cultural divides.

For frontline workers, whose jobs are primarily off-sit and away from the HQ, these challenges are particularly pertinent.

Challenges to consider: Time zone differences, language barriers, and cultural sensitivities all require strategic communication approaches.

Stay tuned! In the coming weeks, we'll delve deeper into each of these trends, providing actionable insights and best practices to help you navigate the ever-changing IC landscape.

Want to learn more? Let us know in the comments below what specific areas of IC interest you the most!