How do interactions in internal social media affect internal communication?
One measure of the success of internal communications is the number and manner of interactions on internal social media. What are these interactions, and to what extent do they affect the achievement of internal communications strategic goals? Do interactions enhance employee engagement?
Interactions in internal social media vs engagements – what is the difference?
Interactions and engagements are two concepts operating in social media marketing that were borrowed by internal communications. User engagement is measured through such activities as comments, shares, saves, private messages, link clicks, tagging, etc.
Interactivity, however, goes one step further. This is because it provides an opportunity to build better relationships with other internal social media users. Interactions positively impact the well-being of employees, strengthen bonds and increase engagement with the organization’s internal life, and in turn, affect productivity.
Interaction – a component of a relationship
Building relationships among coworkers is just as important as building relations with customers. Employers have largely been made aware of this by the social isolation that the pandemic has forced us into. Reduced interaction has negatively affected the mental health of people around the world.
Social media, which have all the qualities of interactivity – accessibility, continuity, long-term, and reciprocity – have proved helpful. With their help, one can not only build a solid foundation of mutual, friendly relations between employees, but also positively influence their overall well-being, sense of happiness, and belonging to the organization.
How does interaction in internal social media happen?
Interaction in internal social media is based on similar principles on which general social media operates. All aforementioned likes, emoticons, gifs, shares, comments, clicks, and tags can and should be used in corporate communications. However, using them on a large scale in an organization requires a certain degree of boldness and trust in colleagues and the organization.
A certain amount of time usually passes before interactions begin to fulfill their role in supporting the implementation of the communication strategy. It is worth taking advantage of it by setting a good example with your engagement and building an organizational culture based on openness and a sense of security.
How does interaction impact employee engagement?
Employees’ interaction on internal social media provides organizations with several benefits, including:
- strengthened engagement in the daily life of the company,
- positive perception of the company as transparent and open to the employees’ opinions,
- a better understanding of roles within the organization and the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
Regardless of the type and manner of work, being surrounded by others, or at least having remote contact with them, provides a sense of psychological security and support. And without them, intrinsic motivation and the engagement related to it remain at a minimal level.
Activities that arouse interactions in internal social media enrich, enhance and dynamize internal communication. But their most important task is to engage. A tool such as Workai performs this role brilliantly.