.png)
When people hear "internal communications", they often picture weekly newsletters, cluttered inboxes, or team updates that no one reads. It's usually treated as a checkbox: message sent, job done. However, if no one is paying attention, the communication hasn't worked.
A former manager once said to me,
"We don't do engagement, we do comms."
It was a clear sign they didn't understand communications at all.
The idea that engagement and communication are separate is still common in many organisations. But the truth is, they are completely connected. You can't expect employees to feel engaged if they don't know what's happening, why it matters, or how they fit into the bigger picture.
When done well, internal comms are far more than just updates. It's one of the most powerful tools a business has to boost engagement, build culture, and keep teams working towards the same goals.
Why engagement matters
Engaged employees don't just show up; they bring energy, ideas, and commitment. They know what the business is doing, understand how their role contributes, and feel like part of something. That leads to:
- Higher productivity
- A breakdown of siloed working
- Lower staff turnover.
When people feel informed and involved, they're more likely to stay and perform at their best.
The trap of 'more comms = better comms'
Many businesses fall into the trap of producing content just for the sake of it. There's a belief that a steady stream of newsletters, updates or videos means people are being communicated with. However, the reality is that most end up in a deleted folder or are entirely ignored. Why? Because most businesses haven't figured out what resonates with their team members.
More noise doesn't mean more engagement
If your team spends hours building a newsletter that only a small percentage of the business reads, or pushing updates that don't result in any change, it's time to rethink. Instead of asking, "What can we send this week?", the better question is, "What problem are we trying to solve?"
Every piece of communication should be linked to a purpose. If there's no clear outcome (whether it's awareness, action, or behavioural change), then you're not communicating, you're just adding clutter.
Start by listening
The foundation of good communication isn't what you say. It's what you hear. Engagement begins by understanding your people. That means asking questions like:
- What are they struggling with?
- What do they want more clarity on?
- What's actually working for them?
- How can we help?
If you do run an NPS or pulse survey, don't let the results disappear into a black hole (or just in the four walls of a directors board). Always follow up and share what you've heard. Even if the feedback is hard to swallow. Sometimes, that means holding your hands up and saying. "We haven't got this quite right." Be transparent about what leaders have learned and what changes will follow. If progress takes longer than expected, let your people know why.
Being open, even when you don't have all the answers, builds trust. It enhances the employee experience and demonstrates to people that their voices aren't only heard but valued.
Good comms doesn't have to be complex
The best internal comms are clear, timely, and relevant. Some times just a short message on Teams or Slack. Sometimes just a quick all-hands. Sometimes, it's just a matter of a manager being visible and available.
Strategic communication focuses on outcomes, not formats. Start with what you need people to know or do. Then pick the best way to get there.
Communication that works is worth the investment
Engaged teams are more productive, adapt to change faster, and stay longer. Poor communication, on the other hand, costs time, morale, and money.
That's why internal comms shouldn't sit at the bottom on your to-do list. When done with purpose, it's one of the smartest investments you can make.
Are you ready to transform your internal communications into genuine employee engagement?
We help businesses stop broadcasting and start connecting. Our strategic approach to internal communication creates and builds trusts, cultivates a strong culture and genuinely (and authentically) engages people.