Strategic Internal Communication and Employee Engagement

Strategic internal communication orchestrates the deliberate use of messages and channels to align employees with organisational goals, values and culture, thereby fostering commitment and discretionary effort. It encompasses both formal and informal pathways through which leadership conveys vision, policy updates and performance feedback, while enabling upward and horizontal dialogue. Effective internal communication nurtures a two-way exchange, builds trust and supports adaptability in the face of change. Employee engagement refers to the cognitive and emotional bond that staff forge with their organisation. Engaged employees demonstrate higher levels of motivation, resilience and willingness to contribute beyond prescribed duties. The interplay between strategic communication and engagement is pivotal for sustaining innovation, enhancing performance and mitigating turnover across diverse contexts. Practical applications range from integrated digital platforms that support remote work to relational initiatives that bolster well-being and retention. Globally, organisations leverage coherent communication strategies to navigate crises, cultivate inclusivity and drive competitive advantage.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Strategic Internal Communication and Employee Engagement publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in strategic internal communication and employee engagement across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Strategic internal communication: Coordinated use of messages and channels to align employees with organisational objectives.
Employee engagement: The degree of emotional and cognitive commitment an individual has towards their organisation.
Informational communication: The transmission of timely, accurate data and directives from leadership to employees.
Relational communication: Interactive messages that convey appreciation, support and opportunities for participation.
Perceived organisational support: Employees’ belief that their contributions are valued and their well-being is taken into account.
Organisational transparency: The extent to which an organisation openly shares information about its processes and decisions.

References

1. Achieving employee support during the COVID-19 pandemic – the role of relational and informational crisis communication in Austrian organizations. Journal of Communication Management (2021).
2. Satisfaction with Internal Communication and Hospitality Employees’ Turnover Intention: Exploring the Mediating Role of Organizational Support and Job Satisfaction. Administrative Sciences (2023).
3. Internal crisis communication (ICC) framework in high risk industry: A qualitative study from key informants’ perspectives. Cogent Business & Management (2023).