Improving internal communication
Effective internal communication is an important driver of organisational success and a key differentiator in the recruitment and retention of employees. Communication underpins employee engagement by providing the knowledge required to create confidence and trust in the organisation and its leadership.
Echelon helps clients develop and implement internal communication strategies that develop motivation and capability. We research employee opinion and information needs to produce programmes that send the right messages to the right people using the most appropriate mix of delivery channels.
We engage with stakeholders across the organisation to ensure delivery of an integrated strategy of leadership, performance, project and change communication.
Business analysis
Does internal communication drive achievement of your organisation’s goals?
Understanding where and how internal communication is needed to drive performance underpins development of an effective strategy. We work across the organisation’s stakeholder groups to identify communication objectives and their priorities. We survey employees to evaluate how well their needs are being met.
This research enables the development of an integrated programme of strategic, tactical and operational communication that proactively keeps everyone ‘on message’.
Survey employee opinions
Do you know what your employees really need?
Understanding exactly what information employees want and how they’d prefer to receive it provides a solid platform for developing an internal communication strategy. Communication is two-way process and the strategy needs to allow for and encourage dialogue.
People’s opinions on their employer’s communication process significantly influence their behaviour at work and their motivation to stay with the organisation. Communication is an important contributor to development and reinforcement of the employer brand.
We deploy a range of surveys and participative methods to understand employees’ views.
Develop internal communication strategy
Do your people have the knowledge they need to make a difference?
Establishing the strategy for internal communication creates a clear link between the organisation’s goals and the information needs of its people.
People need the right knowledge, at the macro and micro levels, to enable them to contribute effectively and productively. Lack of relevant and timely information is a serious demotivator, contributing to dissatisfaction and employee attrition.
A positive approach to internal communication provides everyone with a clear line of sight between him or her and the organisation’s mission. It then gives regular updates at the strategic, tactical and operational levels, and ensures early and frequent information on organisational change initiatives.
A successful communication programme relies on a detailed understanding of employee information needs. It accommodates individuals’ preferred communication media to ensure inclusion and reception of message.
Echelon employs a structured approach to the development and deployment of internal communication programmes following the four-stage approach of Research – Design – Implement – Sustain.
Evaluate communication effectiveness
Does your internal communication achieve results?
Measuring the impact of the communication strategy demonstrates management commitment and engages employees in its ongoing improvement. Echelon pursues a range of techniques to measure message recall, application to the job and business results as well as reaction to the style, medium and timeliness of delivery.
Echelon, Angles House, 210 Sheen Lane, London SW14 8LB; 020 8274 9965