How to carry out digital transformation in internal communications?
Digital technologies are taking internal communications to a whole other level by making them perhaps more accessible, engaging, and open than ever before. However, simply implementing digital tools does not determine success. How do you carry out a successful digital transformation in internal communications?
- What is digital transformation in internal communications?
- Digital transformation in internal communications – why you should do it right
- How to carry out a successful digital transformation in internal communications?
What is digital transformation in internal communications?
Digital transformation in internal communications is a process in which modern digital tools begin to play a key role in communicating with employees. However, it is not just about using new communication channels to convey information, but about the comprehensive integration of these tools with communication strategy, organizational culture, and employees. By shaping the digital experience of employees, modern digital tools engage them in the life of the organization and put them in the role of partners rather than subordinates, helping to build trust and motivation. This huge potential of internal communication can only be unleashed with the right digital transformation plan.
Digital transformation in internal communications – why you should do it right
Modern digital technologies in internal communications are a wide range of tools, used by organizations depending on their needs, budget, organizational culture, the strategy pursued, and at least a few other variables. The most comprehensive of these, such as extensive Employee Experience platforms, allows internal communication to be shaped using, among other things:
- mobile applications,
- interactive internal social networks,
- chat rooms,
- video messages,
- podcasts, etc.
Companies that are at the leading edge of digital transformation experience almost twice as much revenue growth as those that are reluctant to digitize. Achieving such an outcome is the result of success in every area undergoing digitization. Internal communication plays a special role here, as it affects employee engagement, contributing to:
- implementation of open organizational culture,
- effective and efficient knowledge management in the organization,
- raising the level of motivation,
- raising morale (e.g., implementing two-way communication),
- constantly monitoring the needs of employees,
- promoting bottom-up employee initiatives,
- increase the effectiveness of change management in the organization,
- lower retention rates, better talent retention in the organization, and increased work efficiency.
How to carry out a successful digital transformation in internal communications?
The success of digital transformations is not at all obvious. Most of them fail. The reasons include a lack of set goals or overly optimistic assumptions when setting them, a lack of management of the transformation process, and an inadequate pace of change. To avoid similar mistakes, when carrying out digital transformation in internal communications, it is worth remembering 3 steps.
How to carry out a successful digital transformation in internal communications?
#1 Set realistic goals
The starting point of digital transformation in internal communications is the needs of employees and the organization. The goals of the transformation must be consistent at every level, and the digital tools must bring as much benefit as possible on both sides. Their selection is therefore crucial at this stage. Tools such as communication platforms with a mobile app, on the one hand, affect the efficiency of employees (for example, through access to a mobile database), and on the other hand, provide employees with the necessary information and ensure the interactivity of communication.
#2 Plan the entire process
Planning out a step-by-step schedule, from tool launch to training to communication, is important in any change management. Make sure you know your audience and what they need. Engage stakeholders. Provide support to all users, including training and access to a helpdesk. Plan grand openings and “bonuses” (e.g., kudos, gamification, quizzes, etc.) to encourage the use of new tools and make them part of the organizational culture.
#3 Monitor progress
One of the biggest advantages of modern employee platforms, which are increasingly the cornerstone of digital transformation in internal communications, are powerful analytics modules. Use them from day one to track progress and measure the effectiveness of ongoing activities. Tools such as Workai, among others, allow you to track audience activity and gather quick feedback from them. This is a great asset of digital technologies, allowing users themselves to create the digital world of which they are a part.
Mistakes in carrying out digital transformation in internal communications can lead to frustration at every level – management, employees, and the IC departments. Regardless of the scope of the transformation, the stakes are high and not worth the risk. By implementing the most comprehensive tool on the market like Workai and preparing the entire process accordingly, you can achieve spectacular success.
Read also:
How can digital transformation of internal communication affect your profits? (workai.com)
5 top benefits of digital transformation for your business (workai.com)