The 3 reasons why internal communication leads to a more successful organisation

We have all heard time and time again of the importance Internal Communication within an organisation, but it’s easy to forget why. From my firsthand experience as a Public Relations Intern in the Internal Communication department, I have developed the 3 reasons why internal communication is so important, which should always be remembered.

1)    It keeps the whole organisation in the ‘loop.’

Main Roads Western Australia is such a large organisation. There are offices all around Western Australia and they work within so many other departments such as the Office of Road Safety and the Department of Transport as well as the Traffic Operations Centre.  Being such a large organisation comes a large number of employees, all which have the potential of damaging your reputation if there is a insufficient amount of communication.  By focusing on internal communication, it shows employees the importance their role plays to the success of the organisation.

2)   Internal communication provides a source of information and coordination.

It allows organisations to have easier access to information, particularly when there is an internal website. Main Roads has an internal website, ‘IRoads’ which gives all employees access to employee news, important information on any crises, organisational guidelines and tips on how to communicate to the media. I have learnt forom university how important internal communication is and have seen this first hand through the IRoad websites as it allows top management to have easy and sufficient communication with their employees. It also allows the organisation to coordinate with all departments so that they are all working towards the same organisation goal.

(Example of IRoads)

3)    Increases employee motivation

Internal communication motivates employees as it creates good relationships amongst the hierarchy. Obviously, in an organization there are different roles. But internal communication allows employees to see that everyone is treated equally and that the focus of the organisation is on providing sufficient communication. It also increases employee's motivation, as they feel comfortable with exchanging ideas and their views on how the organisation can improve and can increase overall employee efficiency.

I have seen the benefits of internal communication first hand by interning in the Internal Public Relation department. I have had the opportunity to update information on their internal website about particular staff movements and stories. 

Another advantage was having access to all the staff at Main Roads as you were able to see what department they worked in and what projects they worked on. As a soon to be graduate, I saw this as a networking opportunity as I was allowed to ‘add them’ as my friend. By adding staff which had similar roles which I one day aspire to work in made them aware of who I was and what I majored in at University as I was listed on the Main Roads website. I was noticed in the team room by 2 staff members as they came up to me and asked me how my Internship was going.

Has anyone else realised the huge impact internal communication plays in an organisation? Or has anyone else created their own network opportunity?

I would love to hear your stories.

Caris Dinardo