In recent years, there has been a profound shift within the communications discipline. The latest trends in internal communications are being driven by both advancements in technology and the evolving needs of modern organisations; it’s no longer just about intranets or newsletters. Today’s internal communications professionals are leveraging new tools, methodologies and  approaches to engage, inform, and motivate employees at all levels.

As someone with professional experience in the internal communications field within a range of organisations, I’m always keen to explore and embrace the changes reshaping the profession.

From artificial intelligence to gamification, internal communications is becoming increasingly dynamic. Here, I look at four significant trends that have evolved to become essential to the modern internal communications professional.

The Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Internal Communications

AI has been making waves across all sectors, and internal communications is no exception. The growing use of AI can help communications professionals streamline their processes, enhance employee engagement, and personalise messages at scale.

One of the most advanced developments is the use of AI-driven chatbots. These tools are being used to automate routine communications, from answering common employee queries to providing updates on company news. Chatbots can even analyse employee sentiment and provide real-time feedback on how internal messages are being received.

Moreover, AI-powered tools like natural language processing (NLP) are being utilised to better understand employees’ needs, preferences, and concerns. NLP can analyse feedback from surveys or internal social media platforms to gain insights into employee engagement and satisfaction, which can guide future communications strategies.

For internal comms professionals, integrating AI into daily tasks is an opportunity to save time, deliver more personalised content and enhance overall engagement. From automating employee feedback collection to crafting targeted, data-driven communication campaigns, the possibilities are immense.

For those looking to take their internal communications strategy to the next level, leveraging AI tools for content curation and analysis could be a game-changer. Today’s internal communications teams can explore AI-driven platforms like chatbots, content recommendation systems and sentiment analysis tools.

Further reading: British Council: How AI is reshaping communication in the workplace

The Rise of Video and Visual Storytelling

In today’s digital-first world, people are looking for ways to consume content quickly and effectively. Video has emerged as a powerful communication tool, allowing internal comms teams to engage employees in new, creative ways. The last two years have seen a significant rise in video-based communications – particularly short-form content.

From CEO video updates to departmental newsletters, companies are turning to video to convey their messages. The benefit of using video is twofold: it’s not only an engaging medium but also one that brings a personal touch to communication, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. The informal nature of videos also allows employees to feel more connected to leadership, breaking down the barriers between senior management and the rest of the workforce.

Interactive video is also on the rise. Employees can now engage with content more actively – quizzes, polls and clickable features allow them to navigate videos based on their own interests.

Video content can be particularly impactful in driving company culture. For instance, many companies are using video to highlight employee stories, highlight charity and corporate social responsibility achievements, and showcase behind-the-scenes aspects of the workplace. This trend reflects a broader movement towards creating more authentic, personal and transparent internal communications.

For internal communications professionals, incorporating video into your strategy will help ensure that messages are memorable and resonate with employees in a way that text alone can’t. Whether it’s through video briefings, training sessions, or personalised messages, video offers an effective way to boost engagement across all levels of your organisation.

Further reading: ​​Forbes: 17 Ways Video Can Enhance Your Company’s Internal Comms Efforts

The Gamification of Internal Communications

Gamification is not a new concept, but its application in internal communications is becoming increasingly popular. Companies are gamifying employee engagement efforts, incentivising behaviours they want to promote and building more interactive, enjoyable communication platforms.

The concept behind gamification is simple: if you make something fun, employees are more likely to engage with it. For example, companies are introducing game-like elements into their intranet systems, such as leaderboards, rewards for completing training modules, and even digital badges for accomplishments.

Gamification can also be applied to employee recognition programs – by turning achievements into challenges and offering rewards for milestones, organisations can make recognition a more dynamic and interactive experience.

The key advantage of gamification is its ability to drive participation and boost morale. Employees are more likely to engage with internal communications platforms that are interactive and rewarding. Whether it’s through quizzes, digital scavenger hunts, or employee challenges, gamification creates an environment where internal communications become engaging and memorable.

Further reading: LinkedIn: How can you use gamification to improve employee engagement in internal communication?

Employee Generated Content (EGC)

Employee generated content is the latest trend to completely re-model the delivery of internal communications, and is a major factor in shaping an organisation’s values and culture. Instead of relying solely on top-down communication from leadership or the comms team, organisations are encouraging employees to take the lead in creating and sharing content. This could be in the form of blog posts, video interviews, or social media-style updates shared on company intranets.

The power of employee-generated content lies in its authenticity. When employees have the opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts, and expertise, it fosters a sense of ownership and trust across the organisation. Employees feel more connected to the message when it’s coming from their peers rather than the corporate hierarchy.

Moreover, employee-generated content helps to amplify diverse voices within the company, allowing different perspectives to be heard. It also enhances engagement by making employees feel valued and involved in the communications process.

Internal communications professionals can facilitate this by creating a platform for employees to share their content, whether through an internal blog, video-sharing platform, or intranet forum. Encouraging employees to contribute allows organisations to harness the power of their people in communicating key messages, initiatives, and company culture.

Further reading: Sociabble: How Employee Generated Content Benefits Your Company’s Communication & Culture