Measure Internal Comms ROI to Boost Engagement
Internal communications are crucial for maintaining employee engagement and aligning your team with the goals of your organization. However, quantifying and measuring the real impact and ROI of your internal communications efforts can be challenging. Let’s discuss how you can measure the effectiveness of internal communications and why it’s important.
To learn more about quantifying the impact and ROI of internal communications, watch the free webinar hosted by Daniel Amaro, Managing Partner of Klarinet Solutions, and Zeke Egbo, Partner Channel Manager at Staffbase.
The Benefits of a Well-Thought-Out Internal Communications Strategy
Internal communications profoundly influence workplace dynamics and outcomes. Here are some compelling statistics highlighting the benefits of a well-thought-out internal communications strategy:
- 97% of employees report that internal communications affect their daily tasks.
- A robust internal comms strategy can result in a 25% increase in productivity.
- Companies that excel in internal communications see up to 5 times higher employee retention.
- 85% of employees feel more engaged with effective internal communications.
Understanding and Measuring Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is the heartbeat of effective internal communication. Disengagement, which can manifest as ‘quiet quitting’ or ‘quiet vacationing,’ directly undermines communication efforts. To combat this, it’s essential to track engagement levels regularly through:
- Engagement Metrics: Examine open rates for newsletters and consider interactions, views, and other direct engagement metrics.
- Behavioral Insights: Analyze changes in behavior, sentiment, and participation in organizational initiatives to gauge the deeper impacts of your communications.
The Strategic Importance of Communication Flow
Effective communication flows seamlessly between the organization and its employees, promoting an environment where strategic objectives are understood and embraced. This two-way communication flow ensures that the implemented strategies resonate well with employees, leading to improved morale and alignment with the company’s strategic goals.
Shifting Focus from Outputs to Outcomes
Moving away from simply counting outputs—like the number of emails sent—to focusing on outcomes—such as the change in employee behavior or sentiment—helps in accurately determining the ROI of communication efforts. This approach emphasizes the quality and effect of interactions rather than their quantity.
Building and Sustaining an Effective Narrative
Narratives built through consistent and strategic communication efforts shape the organization’s reputation over time. Effective narratives are clear, engaging, and aligned with the organization’s values and objectives, ensuring that every communication contributes to a cohesive organizational identity.
Your stories feed into your narratives, which feed into your reputation as an organization, which is why a solid internal communications strategy is important.
Implementing a Framework for Successful Internal Communications
To streamline the communication process and enhance its effectiveness, follow these steps:
1. Planning
Planning is the foundational step in ensuring effective internal communications. It involves setting objectives, identifying the target audience, and choosing the optimal channels for message delivery.
Thorough planning enhances the clarity and effectiveness of communications, particularly during times of change. It ensures that all communications are consistent and aligned with the broader organizational goals, helping to maintain or boost employee morale.
2. Co-Creation
Co-creation emphasizes the collaborative aspect of creating communications, involving top executives and leaders along with employees at various levels. This approach democratizes the communication process and integrates diverse perspectives.
When leaders participate in the communication process, it helps in building transparency and trust within the organization. Co-creation promotes a culture of open dialogue, where communications are seen as a collective effort, enhancing their acceptance and impact across the organization.
3. Measurement
Measurement involves tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of internal communications strategies. It looks at engagement metrics, feedback from employees, and changes in behavior or sentiment.
Proactive measurement helps organizations quickly identify and address issues, preventing potential declines in employee confidence. It allows for the continuous improvement of internal communications strategies based on real feedback and data, ensuring that communications remain effective and relevant.
Implement an Internal Communications Strategy
Quantifying the impact of internal communications is essential for any organization aiming to enhance engagement and strategic alignment. By focusing on meaningful metrics and outcomes, businesses can demonstrate the value of their communications and continuously improve their strategies to achieve better results.
For more detailed insights and actionable strategies to help elevate your internal communications, watch the full webinar or get in touch with Klarinet’s digital workplace experts.
