As the digital workplace evolves, so does the need for more sophisticated tools to manage internal communications.
With many organizations transitioning from Facebook Workplace, some may be considering Microsoft as a viable alternative and it's crucial to assess whether Microsoft's suite alone can fulfill all the needs of effective communication within large and diverse companies. Here, we will explore why complementing Microsoft with a dedicated internal communications platform can transform your strategic outreach and strengthen your organizational ecosystem.
Understanding the Limitations of Microsoft for Internal Communications
When shifting from the community-centric interface of Facebook Workplace, Microsoft platforms offer a different list of strengths and limitations. While robust, they might lack the specialized focus on internal communications, something crucial for maintaining employee engagement and organizational unity.
A study by Gatehouse reveals that only 58% of employees believe that their internal communication initiatives are effective in keeping them aligned with company goals. This statistic underscores the potential disconnect that can occur when transitioning to a system like Microsoft, which isn't primarily designed with exclusively communication-focused features in mind.
Bridging the Gap: Why Organizations Need a Dedicated Internal Comms Platform
While Microsoft offers a solid foundation for internal communications, organizations often find that its tools fall short when it comes to fostering a truly engaged and connected workforce. To overcome these limitations and achieve optimal results, businesses need to supplement Microsoft with a dedicated internal comms platform.
According to a study by Gartner, 70% of organizations struggle to maintain employee engagement and alignment with company goals using Microsoft tools alone. This highlights the need for a platform that is specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of internal communications.
Main Differences Between MS 365 and a Dedicated Internal Communications Platform
1. Core Focus:
- MS 365: Primarily designed for productivity and collaboration, with internal communication as a secondary feature. While MS 365 supports internal communication, it’s primarily focused on tasks like document creation and team collaboration. Only 20% of MS 365 users find its communication tools to be comprehensive for internal engagement.
- Dedicated IC Platform: Specifically built for internal communication, offering tailored features and functionalities. Dedicated platforms are designed to meet 90% of internal communication needs, providing specialized tools that are not available in MS 365.
2. Feature Set:
- MS 365: Limited communication features such as email, SharePoint, and Teams. MS 365 offers basic communication tools but lacks more specialized features. Only 35% of organizations using MS 365 report full satisfaction with its internal communication features.
- Dedicated IC Platform: Offers a broader range of features including newsfeeds, announcements, employee directories, and surveys. Dedicated platforms provide 50% more features related to internal communication compared to MS 365, addressing a wider range of needs.
3. User Experience:
- MS 365: Can be overwhelming for communication-focused tasks, with a cluttered interface. Users often experience a 30% higher rate of interface-related challenges when using MS 365 for communication tasks.
- Dedicated IC Platform: Designed for a streamlined communication experience, with a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. 80% of users find dedicated communication platforms to be easier to navigate compared to MS 365.
4. Customization:
- MS 365: Offers limited customization options for internal communication. Customization capabilities are restricted, with only 25% of users feeling that MS 365 meets their specific branding needs.
- Dedicated IC Platform: Provides extensive customization capabilities to align with company branding and specific communication needs. 70% of organizations find dedicated platforms to offer superior customization options that better align with their internal communication strategies.
5. Analytics and Measurement:
- MS 365: Limited analytics tools for tracking communication effectiveness. MS 365 provides basic analytics, with only 40% of users satisfied with its communication tracking capabilities.
- Dedicated IC Platform: Offers advanced analytics features to measure message reach, engagement, and ROI. Dedicated platforms provide 60% more detailed insights, enabling organizations to better evaluate and improve their communication strategies.
A Valuable Addition to Microsoft: A Dedicated Internal Comms Platform
Integrating a dedicated internal communications platform with Microsoft 365 brings numerous advantages, transforming the way organizations manage their internal interactions. This integration streamlines operations by eliminating the need for multiple logins and reducing data silos, ensuring a smooth user experience across tools. It enhances reach and engagement by tapping into MS 365's extensive user base and centralizing all internal communications. Productivity is boosted as the dedicated platform cuts down on email clutter and enables swift information access. Collaboration between teams is improved, supporting effective teamwork and knowledge sharing. Moreover, the combined analytics capabilities offer a comprehensive view of communication effectiveness, providing valuable insights to refine internal communication strategies.
1. Seamless Integration:
- Eliminates Multiple Logins and Data Silos: 70% of employees report frustration with having to log in to multiple systems. By integrating with MS 365, organizations can streamline their workflows and reduce these frustrations.
- Consistent User Experience: 68% of companies that unify their communication tools see improved user satisfaction and productivity due to consistent experience across platforms.
2. Improved Productivity:
- Reduces Email Clutter: 62% of employees report that too many emails hinder their productivity. A dedicated platform helps consolidate communications, reducing email volume.
- Quick and Efficient Access: Employees using an integrated platform access information 30% faster compared to those relying solely on email.
3. Enhanced Collaboration:
- Facilitates Teamwork: 82% of organizations with advanced collaboration tools see improved team collaboration and project outcomes.
- Supports Knowledge Sharing: Companies that promote knowledge sharing through integrated platforms see a 25% increase in innovation and problem-solving efficiency.
4. Comprehensive Analytics:
- Complete Understanding of Communication Effectiveness: Organizations utilizing combined analytics from MS 365 and a dedicated platform achieve a 50% more accurate measurement of communication effectiveness.
- Valuable Insights for Strategy Improvement: Companies leveraging detailed analytics report a 35% improvement in internal communication strategies and outcomes.
Looking for the Perfect Internal Comms Match?
It starts with our commitment to enhancing and complementing the Microsoft suite used by millions. With continuous advancements in technology, Sparrow Connected offers a suite of features that address every aspect of internal communications. From crafting perfect messaging to delivering it effectively across diverse platforms, our solution empowers companies to not just communicate but connect deeply with every employee.
While Microsoft provides a foundation, Sparrow Connected extends its capabilities with advanced features designed specifically for communications professionals:
Advanced Content Analytics: Unlike Microsoft, we offer in-depth analysis of your content’s quality, helping you understand what works and what doesn’t.
Seamless Multilingual and Multi-Channel Publishing: Our platform simplifies publishing content in various languages and across multiple channels at optimal times.
Effective Notifications and Reminders: We ensure your content gets noticed by sending notifications and reminders to employees who haven’t yet viewed it.
Intelligent Targeting: Content is delivered to specific audiences based on relevance, reducing unnecessary all-employee emails and minimizing communication noise.
Consolidated Comments: Comments from all platforms and languages are aggregated, enabling employees to engage fully with the conversation.
Performance Insights: As George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” We provide insights into what content resonates most with employees and which channels are most effective, allowing you to refine your strategy based on real data.
By integrating Sparrow Connected with Microsoft, you gain access to these enhanced features, making your internal communications more effective and impactful.
Make the Smart Switch Today!
Microsoft provides a base, and adding a dedicated internal communications platform like Sparrow Connected can greatly improve how you engage and inspire your team. This upgrade helps make your internal communications more than just information sharing—it strengthens your company culture and builds a more connected, informed, and engaged workforce.
Make your internal communications go from ordinary to outstanding. By enhancing your Microsoft tools with Sparrow Connected, you can greatly improve your communication impact. Take the next step toward excellent internal communication—book a free coaching session see how we can help you achieve exceptional internal communication.
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