Internal communication in a company refers to the exchange of information and communication that takes place within a company. It includes all verbal, written and digital communication channels used to convey messages, instructions or knowledge within an organisation. It differs significantly from external communication, which is aimed at people and institutions outside the organisation - such as customers, business partners, the media or the public.

Communication within the company is there to provide orientation and to inform and involve all employees about company goals, corporate values and processes. At the same time, it serves to exchange information, motivate employees and enable mutual feedback. It is therefore an important part of any corporate culture and forms the basis for effective cooperation and mutual trust.

1. Information flow: Seamless information exchange between employees—whether at the same or different hierarchical levels—enables the best possible work results to be achieved.
2. Commitment & productivity: Well-informed employees remain more motivated. This is also reflected in their work performance and productivity.
3. Good working atmosphere: Transparent communication within the company can prevent conflicts and create a pleasant working environment.
4. Employee retention: Transparent and clear communication within the company creates trust and a positive working atmosphere in which employees enjoy working and stay for the long term.
5. Teamwork: A good exchange of information helps to strengthen team spirit and, as a result, cooperation and shared successes.
6. Overcoming crises and change: To prevent uncertainty among individual team members, information must be provided in a clear and binding manner, even in dynamic times.
7. Conveying corporate culture: Communication within the company conveys corporate values, standards, and the company's mission statement, thereby promoting employee loyalty to the company.
8. Involving all team members: Colleagues who work partially or completely remotely are integrated into the team with the right form of internal corporate communication.

What are popular digital communication channels?

Video conferencing: face-to-face meetings at a distance thanks to digitalisation

Video conferencing is an important communication tool for companies in the modern working world. This is because, despite physical distance, they enable a personal exchange in which non-verbal signals can also be sent and received.

Telephone calls for efficient communication without delay

If information is needed at short notice or matters need to be clarified directly, picking up the phone is often the most efficient way. Telephone calls can avoid misunderstandings that can sometimes arise through written communication and facilitate spontaneous decisions.

Newsletter: corporate communication at the touch of a button

News, projects and HR topics can also be communicated in digital employee newsletters. They promote a sense of belonging and ensure that all employees have the same level of information, regardless of their location.

Surveys for improvements: Communication channel for feedback

Online surveys can be used to gather feedback. Regardless of whether a company wants feedback on the working atmosphere or wants to conduct a survey for the next company party - an online survey enables targeted and, if desired, anonymous feedback to be obtained.

E-magazines: the digital employee magazine

Digital company magazines combine information, storytelling and employer branding. They offer space for success stories, interviews or specialist articles and strengthen employees' identification with the company.

Podcasts: Employee communication that catches the ear

In-house podcasts are becoming increasingly popular, especially in large companies. Here, desired focus topics can be addressed in order to educate or inspire employees.

What analogue communication channels are there?

Personal discussions: classic corporate communicationA

personal exchange is the basis of all successful communication. Whether in meetings, employee appraisals or short flying visits to the neighbouring office - personal conversations promote trust, enable short-term clarifications and create space for feedback.

Employee magazine for communicating company success &

Notice board: displaying important information

In companies where all employees are regularly present in person, a notice board - the classic communication tool - can provide a quick overview of internal announcements, events or shift schedules.

Letters, cards and posters as a symbol of appreciation

Analogue means of communication such as personal letters, thank-you cards or posters have an authentic and emotional effect. They are a suitable communication tool when it comes to expressing appreciation or placing important messages visibly in the workplace.

Works meeting for the entire workforceAdjustments

to the corporate culture, economic developments such as company successes, but also crises, strategic changes or major announcements can be communicated well in meetings. They provide space for questions and discussions among the entire workforce.

Company parties and events: improving team spirit

Joint events promote togetherness outside of everyday working life. Whether it's a company outing, anniversary, or Christmas party, corporate events strengthen team spirit and enable communication on a personal level.

Causes & proposed solutions

Even committed and modern companies are not immune to communication problems. When information is lost, misunderstood, or ends up in the wrong place, it not only affects efficiency, but also motivation, trust, and cooperation.

Lack of a feedback culture

Without an open feedback culture, misunderstandings and potential for improvement often remain undetected. Feedback should be given in both directions - from superiors to employees and vice versa. A constructive feedback culture creates trust and enables continuous further development.

Inappropriate choice of communication channels

Not every communication channel is suitable for every message. All too often, complex topics are communicated by email when a face-to-face or virtual conversation would be more appropriate. Conversely, team members are overwhelmed by too many communication channels. It is crucial to select communication channels consciously, depending on the situation and in line with the target group.

No targeted communication

Circular letters to everyone, even though only individual areas of the company are affected, often lead to information fatigue. Targeted communication means filtering and personalising content in such a way that it is relevant to the recipients and can actually be used.

Unclear communication process

A lack of clear communication guidelines leads to uncertainty: Who informs whom, when and via which communication channel? Without defined communication processes, it is easy for extra work, gaps in responsibility or contradictory messages to arise. Standardised communication standards promote clarity and efficiency.

Too much information badly processed

Information overload is one of the biggest problems in the modern working world. If content is not structured, prioritised or presented in an understandable way, important messages are lost. Less is often more here: relevant, clearly organised information helps to maintain focus.

Non-transparent communication

If decisions are made at management level but are not communicated in a comprehensible manner, rumours and mistrust often arise. Transparent communication means revealing the background and making decision-making processes understandable. This creates trust and acceptance and prevents rumours from arising.

Misunderstandings due to ambiguity

Vague or ambiguous wording can easily lead to misinterpretation. Written communication in particular harbours risks here. Precise wording, clear responsibilities and questions in the event of ambiguities help to improve communication within the company.

Communication overload due to meetings and chats

Too many meetings, endless chat messages or unstructured discussions can take up valuable working time. Effective communication means choosing suitable communication channels, defining clear goals and consciously limiting communication times. Less but targeted information flow increases quality and reduces stress.

Companies are successful when communication within the organisation works well. A functional communication strategy forms the foundation for cooperation, trust and motivation - and therefore for the overall success of the company. Those who share information transparently, facilitate feedback and promote dialogue between all levels create a culture of cooperation and appreciation. A good communication process includes both formal and informal channels, makes use of digitalisation, but also relies on selected analogue communication channels. It is constantly evolving. After all, communication is not a static system, but a dynamic process that grows with the company.

Whether you are a start-up or a large company, it is crucial that messages are conveyed clearly, comprehensibly and purposefully. This reduces misunderstandings, involves employees and strengthens the corporate culture in the long term. Those who see communication as a strategic management tool for achieving corporate goals are laying the foundations for long-term corporate success and a satisfied workforce.