Connecting Workforce Like Never Before: The AI Upgrade for Internal Communications

As marketers, we're so focused on coming up with effective marketing strategies, putting them into campaigns, and measuring the results that internal communications gets neglected. Depending on the organization's size, internal communications overlaps with marketing, PR, and HR. All functions are stakeholders in internal communications, each has something to share with employees within teams, functions, or at an organizational level. Still, most organizations use email, internal newsletters, and surveys for internal communication.

With AI infiltrating every aspect of business, especially marketing, internal communications are also changing. How has AI impacted this crucial aspect of business communication, and how is it changing it?

Shifting business needs necessitating a revamp in internal comms

Pandemic changed everything for everyone. Remote working became the norm for almost everyone. Post pandemic, remote work continues, people have also started working in offices, and a hybrid model has emerged. Conversations around the watercooler and hallway announcements are a thing of the past. With so many people working remotely or hybrid, traditional communication methods aren't working. The new post-pandemic business environment is filled with information silos and feelings of disconnect.

The business world is faster than ever, so critical information needs to flow quickly and efficiently. Using traditional methods like email can leave employees out of the loop or make finding critical information hard. There are real-world challenges like dropping attention spans and quiet quitting that demand new ways to communicate.

There's no denying the importance of employee mental health in the wake of the pandemic. By keeping everyone informed and engaged, effective internal communication fostered a sense of belonging and reduced anxiety. People who felt in the loop and understood the company's direction felt less isolated and stressed. Communication updates, clear and transparent leadership messaging, and opportunities for employees to connect and share concerns have become more important to making a positive and supportive work environment.

How can AI bridge the gap in internal communications?

Unprecedented situations call for an innovative solution. Though traditional internal communication still works, the shifts in work environments require a different approach. With AI, you can send out personalized communication, create real-time engagement, and uncover data-driven insights in real time.

Using AI, you can tailor messages and updates to specific roles, departments, or even individual preferences. As a result, employees get info that's relevant to their job, reducing information overload and improving engagement. An AI-powered platform could analyze an employee's past interactions with internal communications and recommend relevant leadership blogs, videos, or communications.

Chatbots or virtual assistants powered by AI can answer employee questions instantly, offer 24/7 support, and facilitate real-time communication. It makes the employees feel empowered as they're more connected and engaged. Let's say you have a new employee who has a question about a company policy. They used to have to wait for HR or their manager to email them back. But with an AI-powered chatbot, they can get their question answered right away.

AI can analyze internal communication data to find out where it needs to improve. This lets companies understand employee sentiment, gauge the effectiveness of their messaging, and tailor communication strategies accordingly. AI can also help find communication gaps and make sure all employees are getting the info they need. For example, AI might recognize a department that's consistently missing important updates. That might give the communication team an idea for a more targeted communication channel.

How are forward-looking companies using AI for internal communications?

This might sound a bit far-fetched to a marketer or communications specialist. Some tech-forward companies have already started using AI to enhance their internal communications. There are lots of big companies using Unily's internal communication solution, like Shell, Baker Hughes, and British Airways. Using AI and machine learning, Unily is helping companies deliver personalized content to employees. It means analyzing user behavior to predict engagement and delivering the right content at the right time through the right channels. With Staffbase's AI, Audi is able to analyze employee feedback and interactions to understand sentiments and preferences. Through this data-driven approach, Audi can create more targeted and effective communication strategies.

The future AI might lead internal communications into…

These are just a few examples of how AI is revamping corporate communications. We can expect even more exciting developments in internal communication as AI continues to evolve. In the future, AI-powered communication platforms could anticipate employee needs and deliver relevant information and resources. It could make internal comms hyper-personalized. Tech like holograms, AR and VR could make it easier for employees to connect and collaborate, no matter where they are.

With AI, organizations could deliver messages in local languages and adjust their communication to fit the cultural context. Additionally, AI-powered tools might analyze communication patterns to identify signs of employee stress or burnout, allowing for early intervention.

Many more use cases for internal communication could be solved and created with AI. Despite being connected through technology, remote or hybrid working and quiet quitting have left employees, teams, and functions disconnected. Then there's the shift in work dynamics, especially with Millenials and Gen Z entering the workforce, and organizational frameworks for diversity and inclusion changing. New collaboration models could emerge in the future.

AI can help marketers, PR and HR professionals foster a more connected, informed, and productive workforce by engaging internal communication in a more effective and engaging way.