5 Signs Your Organisation Needs to Conduct an Internal Comms Health Check

How well are you communicating with your employees? If you’ve recently sent an internal newsletter, you may say well. If you haven’t formally communicated with your staff for a while, you may say poorly.

Both could be true, but also incorrect. That’s because there’s so much that internal communications encompass, and how your messages hit home with employees will differ drastically from organisation to organisation.

But there are some really clear and universal warning signs to watch out for that can suggest all may not be well and it’s time to assess your internal comms strategy. Here’s a look at just five of those key symptoms.

Employees Are Overwhelmed or Disengaged

One of the most obvious signs that your internal communications are off-kilter is when employees seem either overwhelmed by information or, conversely, disengaged from the content being shared. If your staff frequently express frustration at the volume of emails, messages, and meetings, or if they seem indifferent to your communications, it’s a red flag. Too much information can be as detrimental as too little, leading to information overload and disengagement.

A comms health check can help streamline your messaging, ensuring that the information you get across to staff is clear, concise, and relevant to each stakeholder group.

Inconsistent Messaging Across Departments

Another tell-tale sign that your internal comms need attention is when there’s inconsistency in the messages being delivered across different departments. Perhaps one team is receiving updates and instructions that others are not, or there are discrepancies in how information is being interpreted. This can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and even mistrust among employees.

An internal comms health check can identify these inconsistencies and help to develop a unified messaging strategy that ensures everyone is on the same page.

Low Engagement with Internal Content

If you’re noticing that employees are not engaging with the content you’re putting out—whether it’s newsletters, intranet posts, or internal social media updates—it’s a clear indicator that something is amiss. Low employee engagement can stem from content that’s irrelevant, poorly timed, or simply unappealing. It might also suggest that the channels you’re using aren’t effective or that your messages aren’t reaching the right people.

A comprehensive comms health check will examine the effectiveness of your content, the timing of your communications, and the platforms you’re using, offering tailored recommendations to boost engagement.

A Disconnect Between Leadership and Employees

A strong internal comms strategy bridges the gap between leadership and employees, fostering a sense of connection and alignment with the organisation’s goals. If there’s a noticeable disconnect—where employees feel out of touch with leadership’s vision, or leaders are unaware of employee concerns—this is a serious issue. Such a disconnect can lead to decreased morale and increased turnover.

An internal comms health check can help to realign your communication strategies, ensuring that leadership is effectively communicating with employees at all levels.

Frequent Miscommunications and Errors

Frequent miscommunications, errors, or misunderstandings are perhaps the most glaring sign that your internal comms need a review. When critical information is lost in translation or not communicated at all, it can lead to costly mistakes, project delays, and a breakdown in teamwork. These issues are often symptomatic of deeper problems within your internal communications processes, whether it’s the clarity of the messages, the channels used, or the frequency of communication.

An internal comms health check will help to diagnose these issues and implement solutions to reduce miscommunications and improve overall efficiency.

If any of these signs resonate with your organisation, it’s a clear indication that it’s time for an internal comms health check. Regularly assessing and refining your internal communications strategy is essential for maintaining a healthy, engaged, and productive workforce.