Today, One might think that leveraging digital screens would suffice for internal communication planning. And why not? They're prevalent, accessible, and seemingly all-encompassing. Yet is a strategy focused solely on digital screens enough for a truly successful and thorough internal comms approach? The answer might surprise you!
As intuitive as digital screens may be, they represent just a fraction of your internal comms. While effective to a degree, they don’t fully cater to the dynamic communication needs of a diverse workforce.
This blog highlights the shortfalls of leveraging Digital Screens solely, What an Omnichannel Internal Comm Strategy is? And what are the benefits that come with it.
What are the Shortfalls of Solely Relying on Digital Screens?
Not everyone lives and breathes by digital screens. Deskless workers, remote employees, and those who prefer a more "paper and pen" approach might miss out on crucial information displayed solely on screens. This creates information inequality and can breed resentment towards those seemingly "in the loop."
Digital screens can become bombarding. A constant stream of updates, news, and announcements can overwhelm employees, leading to disengagement and decreased attention to what truly matters. Information overload becomes noise, drowning out the important messages.
- Lack of Two-Way Communication:
Digital screens are one-way streets. They broadcast information, but they don't facilitate feedback or dialogue. This creates a sterile communication environment where employees feel unheard and disconnected, hindering engagement and trust.
Not everyone has the same access or equipment to view digital screens. Accessibility issues for visually impaired individuals, language barriers, or outdated technology can further exclude segments of your workforce, leaving them uninformed and undervalued.
What is an Omnichannel Strategy?
An omnichannel strategy in internal communications is an inclusive, multi-platform approach that unifies various communication channels within an organization to create a seamless employee experience. It goes beyond the conventional one-way traffic of information, considering the preferences, comfort, and accessibility of various stakeholders. From SharePoint Intranet, mobile app alerts, digital screens, email notifications, and more - all these channels are intertwined to ensure a consistent message, reaching every individual, everywhere.
Its beauty lies in its convenience and adaptability, reflecting the diversified ways in which employees interact with information. It's a holistic approach to internal comms, fostering a more engaged, collaborative, and productive environment.
Let's see the data that underscores this!
The Numbers Speak: Why an Omnichannel Strategy is a Must for Internal Comms?
- Increased Reach and Engagement
A Gartner report reveals that organizations with strong omnichannel strategies see a 20% increase in employee engagement. Personalized, relevant content keeps your workforce glued.
- Enhanced Information Flow and Clarity:
McKinsey reports that companies with integrated communication platforms witness a 30% improvement in information flow. Seamless access to the right information at the right time boosts productivity.
- Improved Employee Experience and Advocacy:
A LinkedIn survey found that 86% of employees believe a good internal communications strategy is vital for a positive employee experience. Omnichannel tailors the experience to individual preferences, fostering satisfaction and loyalty.
- Data-Driven Optimization and Cost Saving
Aberdeen Group research shows that companies with integrated communications achieve a 38% reduction in communication costs. Streamlined processes and targeted delivery save big!
According to Campaign Monitor, App Institute, Internal newsletters boast an average open rate of 32%, while employee app notifications have an average open rate of 70%.
Sparrow Connected: Your Partner for Omnichannel Internal Comms Success
While digital screens hold potential for internal communication, relying solely on them can result in low engagement due to limited reach, passive consumption, and lack of interactivity. Studies and data highlighted in this blog suggest that engagement rates remain stagnant or even low when organizations solely use digital screens, highlighting the need for a more diverse omnichannel approach.
Therefore, it is time to embrace the new era of Internal Comms — equip yourself with an omnichannel strategy for strengthening your organization's communication.
Sparrow Connected provides a comprehensive platform that effectively integrates various channels necessary for an effective omnichannel strategy. Its platform enables seamless communication via SharePoint Intranet, MS Teams Integration, Web Portals, Mobile Apps, Email & SMS Comms, Intelligent Newsletters, and Digital Screens. This range of channels ensures maximum inclusion and active engagement for all employees.
The platform has ease of use, efficient configuration of widgets, personalized newsletters, and cascading notifications, among other user-friendly features. The platform ensures content relevancy for each worker, enhancing message impact, and recall. For more information, book a demo today to discover how we can help you with an omnichannel internal communication strategy!
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