Different Types of Internal Communications Software

Social Intranet Software

The social intranet software is a central portal accessible to all employees and managers alike. It gives users access to all information, document communications, and contracts all in one location.

When companies are expanding it can be challenging to keep track of relevant company information, so social intranet software is a valuable commodity. Integrating modern intranet software into your business processes can result in effective internal communication, easy file sharing, structured onboarding for new hires, and more.

Social intranet solutions not only enhance the internal communication strategy within the company but also increase employee engagement.

Private Messaging and Chat Software

Messaging and chat software provides employees with a collaborative space to work through various chat and messaging features. These chat features are used by employers and project managers to maintain effective two-way communication and stay updated on day-to-day project activities. The software is also used to share files and documents in real-time, as well as to sift through past conversations to obtain key data.

An example of a popular employee communication platform is Slack, it can be used for team collaboration via a desktop or mobile app on iOS or Android. This ensures that employees can access their messages from any location and receive updates in real-time with push notifications, which is beneficial for deskless workers.

Cases/Issue Tracking/Ticketing Software

Ticketing software sets up a centralized system that allows companies to easily track customer or employee queries or complaints. This streamlines how a company resolves issues.

Handling customer and employee complaints effectively increases retention, leading to a productive workplace in the future and more effective two-way communication.

Internal Blogs and Videos

Media content software allows companies to communicate within the organization in a non-textual manner. This is in the form of videos, interactive presentations, or infographics.

Media content software solutions are useful components of communication within the intranet of a company as they effectively increase employee engagement with visual content. Dull content can often lead to ineffective team communication within the company.

Media content programs provide businesses with centralized high-capacity storage which can be used for file sharing and accessing visuals; this is beneficial for users such as social media managers.

Onboarding Center

This type of team communication software can help with onboarding new hires, as it provides them with relevant information all in one location. Having a designated communication channel for employee onboarding makes it easy to effectively collaborate and share information with new team members.

How to Choose Effective Internal Communications Software

Internal Social Network

An effective internal communications software gives employees not only the ability to share and obtain names and photos, but also the capacity to ask important queries, gain feedback, and to centrally work and collaborate on important projects. High-level internal communications software even provides chat functionality to enable the real-time exchange of ideas on ongoing projects.

The social networking capabilities will not be complete without file sharing. This turns chat and messaging features into a highly-productive collaboration tool.

Employee Survey

Effective internal communications software provides companies with an avenue to determine the pulse of the workforce of a company. This is done through employee surveys and polls. Internal communications platforms offering polling mechanisms encourage employee engagement and provide managers with real-time feedback.

Knowledge Base

The best internal communications software allows companies to create a knowledge base on just about anything related to the company. Employees and managers are able to create an information base for their co-workers that is available for viewing all-in-one place from any location.

Having an internal knowledge base can streamline workflows as it enables employees to find answers to their work-related queries easily. In turn, it can enhance internal comms by giving team members a central repository that can be shared by co-workers.

Customizable Intranet

Integrating internal communications solutions with a modern intranet system allows co-workers to securely collaborate from any location. However, it's important that your internal communication tool can be tailored to the culture and demands of your business. Thus, companies are advised to consider the customization features of the software.

Some programs let users customize their GUI, and some even provide additional features such as pop-up customization, customized data, and databases, among others. These, however, typically fall into a higher pricing bracket. It’s important to consider your pricing budget and needs when choosing the right customizable functionalities

Benefits of Internal Communications Software

An internal communications solution will prove to be a beneficial integration for any company, even if the subscription price is slightly higher. It can improve workflows and keep a company’s human resources intact. The following are some more specific advantages of internal comms software:

• Internal communication tools that leverage automation allow for effective employee communication in any location. Features such as auto-translation can create an efficient digital workplace and improve internal comms.
• Sharing internal knowledge results in a more productive environment within the office. Real-time newsfeeds and messaging keep team members updated on important announcements. Video conferencing and screen-sharing capabilities also allow for productive team collaboration when working remotely.
• An internal communication platform allows team members to share information with their bosses about day-to-day operations. This allows for a clearer understanding of company-wide processes, which can help managers quickly amend any issues and improve retention.
• Connecting workers within a company creates a dynamic environment where team collaboration can happen freely. This encourages higher levels of employee engagement and has a positive impact on business performance. Internal communication tools that include communication channels, private messaging, and file-sharing functionalities connect all employees in a more effective fashion.
• Easy-to-understand employee communication tools streamline the message from management to the employee. With the use of mobile apps, push notifications, and real-time notifications, workers have an easy way to receive messages from managers. Leading to a more effective and time-efficient workflow system.
• Ticketing software aids in team communication and helps team members follow up on requests or demands from other departments. Instant messaging ensures that no component of ongoing projects gets forgotten or unsolved, leading to improved project management.
• Internal communications tools are also web-based documentation of a company's culture. This can be useful for new hires during their onboarding to familiarize them with the culture and regulations. Being informed about a company's culture encourages positive two-way communication.

Common Features of Internal Communications Software