6th January, 2022.
How 2021 will impact the 2022 internal comms agenda
With 2021 now behind us, many are reflecting on the year that has passed and planning for the year to come. Us included.
2021 – what can we say about you?
It was an extension of 2020! COVID was still very present with many internal communication departments still being consumed by COVID updates. They were forced to be far more reactive than in the past and the disruption with sickness and isolation continued to challenge organisations up and down the country.
But, despite its challenges, the COVID pandemic has actually brought some positive change within internal communications.
- Digital transformation – technological solutions for internal comms have been on the market for many years now. Many organisations were considering their benefit, but the pandemic gave a new level of urgency bumping internal comms software up the agenda. As a result, many organisations are now far better equipped to communicate with their employees than they have ever been in the past.
- Leaders became more visible – COVID changed the dynamic between our leaders and employees. Leaders were asked to step up and lead from the front. Communications were more transparent and this approach was well received by everyone. As a result, many organisations are continuing with this more personable approach.
- A new understanding of wellbeing – employees were put first. Their wellbeing was the biggest priority and this has readjusted thinking for the long-term.
- Wider organisational agendas – with a greater focus on people, 2021 saw a shift in priorities. Everyone became more aware of the organisational impact on wider societal factors. Whether that’s how an organisation achieves work/life balance or how they respond to COP26. Corporate social responsibility has risen up the agendas and we believe this trend is set to continue.
- A greater need for internal comms – open, honest and consistent communications have been essential rather than nice to have. Senior leaders have directly seen the impact effective internal communications can have on an organisation. This recognition for internal comms has led many organisations to invest in a stronger internal communications function.
This year’s focus
As an internal communicator, you are riding the wave of opportunity. Your internal communications have shone in 2021. They have demonstrated the difference strong internal communications can make to individuals, teams, and organisations as a whole.
We all hope that 2022 will be known as the year things returned to normal. But, for internal communications, we don’t want normality to resume. We want internal communications to continue as an essential function that sits centrally in every organisation. Not for internal comms to sink back into the shadows.
Continuing to evidence value will therefore be essential. You need to prove why internal comms should continue to be an investment for business leaders.
To evidence the best performance possible, you are going to need to run a tight ship that operates efficiently and delivers communications that engage with the right audiences.
Download our latest guide to delivering effective internal communications for guidance on:
- Ensuring communications resonate
- Removing internal comms inefficiencies
- Creating an effective internal communications strategy
- How to measure performance
- How to convert an internal comms strategy into an internal comms tactical plan
Here’s to a positive year to come. Internal communications are on an exciting journey and we can’t wait to see the developments and growth that take place over the next 12 months.
Rachel Stidworthy
Marketing Manager
With over 15 years’ experience in communications I have seen first-hand the difference strong internal communications can make. I am passionate about helping organisations reap the rewards of an engaged workforce and feel privileged to work for an organisation that has this same passion. We can achieve so much more when we work together towards the same goals.