In these turbulent times, with more diverse workforces, where uncertainty and trust issues seem to be frequently discussed topics, strong internal communication has never been more important. No longer a back-office function, but instead internal comms is becoming a strategic driver of business success. The way people work and engage with their organisations has changed dramatically — and with it, the role of communications inside the business has needed to adapt. If there was ever a moment to prioritise investment in internal comms, that moment is now.

Hybrid and remote working models have become the order of the day. Employees are scattered across countries, time zones and sometimes, across cultures. Gone are the days when information could be picked up at the water cooler or in team office-based catch-ups. Internal comms should act as the glue that binds widely distributed teams together, keeping people informed, aligned and engaged wherever they are. Without it, companies risk fragmentation, confusion and disengagement.

A report out earlier this year by YouGov and Staffbase, found that less than a quarter of ‘non-desk employees were satisfied with the quality of internal communications. It further found that 63% of employees who are considering leaving their jobs, cite poor internal communication as a contributing factor.

This is clearly a costly exercise for the business as well as very unsettling for individual team-members. So are you prioritising internal communications sufficiently as we head towards 2026?

Navigating constant change

All organisations today face unprecedented levels of change — economic headwinds, digital transformation and evolving customer demands. In this environment, silence (or worse, unclear messaging) breeds anxiety. Effective internal communication acts as a stabilising force, giving employees the clarity and reassurance they need to adapt. By explaining not just what is happening but also why, means that businesses can bring their teams on the journey and embrace change together – not just for individuals to sit somewhere on the change curve.

Meeting rising employee expectations

The rapid technological advancements in consumer markets have led people to expect immediate results which now affects their expectations at work. Workers want their leaders to maintain open communication through regular updates while showing authentic leadership and complete transparency.

Organisations that neglect to meet employee expectations will experience trust breakdowns which leads to employee departures. Businesses that demonstrate employee value through strong internal communication build trust because they show workers they matter and their opinions count. The difference between keeping top performers and losing them can depend on this factor.

Culture as a competitive advantage

The workplace culture has become a performance-enhancing factor which also stimulates innovation. Culture requires active maintenance because it exists as a living entity which needs constant support for its survival. The function of internal comms serves to implement company values through real-life examples while honouring achievements and creating feelings of workplace unity.

Cutting through the noise

The main obstacle communications professionals encounter today stems from their audience dealing with excessive information. The combination of email, messaging platforms and meetings creates conditions where essential messages often get lost. The right information reaches personnel at suitable moments through internal communication investments. The outcome brings both better understanding and higher workplace efficiency because staff members understand their role within the organisation while concentrating on essential tasks.

Driving commercial results

Internal communications serve two essential purposes because they create performance outcomes in addition to employee engagement. Research shows that staff members who feel engaged at work show higher productivity levels and create innovative solutions while showing stronger organisational commitment. Internal communications build employee clarity and connection and confidence which results in improved business performance.

A better tomorrow

Now is the time to make that investment. The forces shaping the modern workplace: hybrid working, constant change, higher employee expectations, and the need for cultural cohesion, make it a business-critical function. Organisations that recognise this will not only navigate the challenges of today more effectively but also build stronger, more future-proofed resilient workforces.

Interestingly, the survey found that 47% of desk-based employees are very (14%) or rather (34%) satisfied with the quality of internal communication, which is much higher than those working remotely.

But none of this should be a surprise. It’s obvious that it’s going to be harder to build a strong culture when the team is working remotely, but proper communication is the key.

Companies without an Internal Comms team might struggle to prioritise and have the time to really understand employees’ motivations. No longer is it enough to put a few quid behind the bar at Christmas-time and expect people to come bouncing back in the new year, full of energy, ideas and excitement for the year ahead - the chances are many won’t even drink alcohol so it’s a brave new world.

If you would like to discuss your internal comms needs, we have an experienced team here at Democracy. We’re busy practising what we preach, operating a hybrid approach with excellent team retention but most importantly, we’ve successfully advised several clients by really getting under the skin of the company, understanding the challenges and then developing strategies to find lasting solutions.

Contact Jen@democracypr.com or give us a call on 0161 881 5941

References

https://staffbase.com/blog/employee-communication-impact-study-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Check out our other insights