Internal communication in municipalities comes with unique challenges.
Diverse workforces, including desk-based employees, field workers, and public-facing staff, make effective communication crucial yet complex. While municipalities have specific needs, there are valuable lessons to be learned from other industries that face similar internal comms hurdles.
Here are five internal communication lessons municipalities can adopt from other industries:
In the retail industry, a large portion of the workforce is deskless and constantly on the move. Retailers have adapted by utilizing mobile-first platforms, SMS, digital signage, and real-time messaging apps to keep employees informed. Municipalities can take a similar approach with their field workers, waste management teams, and maintenance staff.
Lesson: Mobile-first communication is essential. Using SMS, mobile apps, and quick updates that are easy to access on the go ensures that frontline workers are kept in the loop without needing to access a desktop or check email regularly.
In the tech world, internal communication has to be agile, adapting quickly to new information, feedback, and workflows. This is done through a culture of transparency, frequent check-ins, and open feedback loops. Municipalities, where priorities and regulations can change rapidly, can benefit from adopting a more agile communication model.
Lesson: Foster open, real-time communication. Create channels where employees can provide feedback quickly, such as regular town halls, pulse surveys, and digital forums. This ensures that everyone is aligned and can adapt to changes efficiently.
Healthcare organizations rely on crystal-clear internal communication to ensure the safety and well-being of both employees and patients. A single miscommunication can have severe consequences. Healthcare organizations address this by ensuring their messaging is clear, concise, and distributed through the most effective channels.
Lesson: Clarity and consistency matter. Municipalities can apply this by standardizing their messaging across departments. Whether it’s for public health updates, emergency response protocols, or day-to-day operations, clear, consistent communication can help avoid confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page.
In manufacturing, line managers act as the communication bridge between corporate leadership and the shop floor. These managers are trained to deliver key messages, gather feedback, and resolve issues in real-time. Similarly, municipal departments—such as parks and recreation, utilities, and public works—rely on department heads and team leaders to communicate directly with their teams.
Lesson: Equip and train department heads for better communication. Provide team leaders with the tools and training they need to effectively cascade important messages to their teams, gather input, and facilitate two-way communication.
In many corporate environments, internal communication is tightly aligned with the company's culture and values. Whether it’s promoting inclusivity, transparency, or innovation, internal comms help reinforce the organizational culture at every level.
Lesson: Reflect the culture in every message. Municipalities have unique cultures that reflect their public service roles. Ensure that internal communication not only delivers information but also reinforces the values of public service, accountability, and community engagement. Aligning communication with municipal culture strengthens employee buy-in and helps foster a sense of pride in the work.
Internal communications in municipalities may present unique challenges, but by learning from other industries, internal comms pros can introduce new approaches to improve engagement and efficiency.
Municipalities thrive when all employees—from the desk to the field—are informed, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals. Taking these lessons on board will help you build a stronger, more connected workforce.
Book a consult to discuss how to put these lessons from other industries into practice at your municipality.