Communication and Collaboration Internal Communication: The Definitive Guide (with Real Examples) Internal communication is key to keeping employees aligned, informed, and engaged. This guide breaks down what it is, why it matters, and how to do it well—with real-world examples and practical tips. 5 minute read Table of contents You might also like… Whitepaper Intranet use cases Whitepaper Award-winning intranets In today’s rapidly evolving workplace—where hybrid schedules, remote teams, and information overload are the norm—internal communication has never been more important. Yet, for many organizations, the term remains misunderstood. To communicate better, we need to understand what internal communication truly is, how it has evolved, and how to implement it effectively. This definitive guide breaks it all down—complete with expert insights and real-world examples of success. What is internal communication? At its core, internal communication (IC) is the process of aligning employees with company goals by systematically informing, engaging, motivating, and listening to people at all levels of the organization. This happens through both one-way and two-way channels—digital and physical—that are tailored to your workforce’s needs. Simply put, internal communication is how companies keep their people informed and connected. Importantly, there’s a distinction between: Internal communication (singular): The strategy and philosophy behind organizational messaging. Internal communications (plural): The tools and tactics—like intranets, newsletters, town halls, and surveys—that carry the messages forward. For more on how we defined this, see What is internal communications? We analyzed 40 definitions to find out. A brief history of internal communication While IC might feel like a modern discipline, its roots go back more than a century: 1890s – Cadbury pioneered employee welfare and communication as part of responsible business practices. 1920s – Hawthorne studies revealed that employee morale and emotional connection impact output. 1942 – “Sharing Information with Employees” became the first book on IC, showing its strategic value. 1960s – McGregor’s “The Human Side of Enterprise” reframed management to be more people-centric. 1980s – Trust building and leadership credibility became communication priorities. 1990s – Rise of employee engagement as a business driver. 2000s onward – Digital revolution: Social media, video, and intranets reshaped how employees interact and share knowledge. Today, two-thirds of the business value from digital technologies lies in improving internal collaboration and communication. Explore our full timeline infographic on the history of internal communication. The role of internal communication in modern workplaces Internal communication is no longer just a function—it’s a strategic business driver. It connects employees to purpose, aligns teams with leadership goals, and enhances overall organizational culture. Why it matters: In a crisis (e.g., COVID-19), IC helps manage change and reduce uncertainty. In hybrid/remote models, it connects distributed workers. In fast-growth or change environments, it keeps employees aligned and engaged. In one industry survey: 90% of internal comms professionals said the pandemic elevated the importance of their role. 67% reported increased involvement in leadership decisions. “Internal communication is the glue that holds hybrid organizations together.” What does good internal communication look like? Good IC: Prioritizes clarity and consistency Enables two-way dialogue Supports all employees—desked, remote, and frontline Encourages feedback, recognition, and inclusivity Is measurable and aligned with business goals And yes, it goes beyond email. Real-world examples: intranet-powered communication wins Here’s how forward-thinking organizations have transformed their internal communication using ThoughtFarmer’s intranet platform: 1. Lenczner Slaght LLP – from email to real-time communication This law firm moved from traditional email updates to real-time intranet-based communications, improving immediacy and employee responsiveness. 🔗 Read their full story → 2. Hachette Book Group – a single source of truth By centralizing announcements, documentation, and employee updates, Hachette’s intranet became a trusted hub for consistent, accurate internal communication. 🔗 Read their full story → 3. Coast Mental Health – employee-owned communication This nonprofit empowered its employees to create and manage content directly on the intranet, fostering ownership and a more authentic voice in company messaging. 🔗 Read their full story → 4. Capital Region BOCES – measurable gains post-intranet launch Survey data revealed significant communication improvements just five months after launching their new intranet—including higher engagement and message retention. 🔗 Read their full story → How intranets impact internal comms See how leading companies used their intranet to improve their employee communication Download now Frequently asked questions (FAQs) To enhance clarity and support your internal comms strategy, here are the top FAQs we hear from organizations: What is the purpose of internal communication? Good internal communication aligns, informs, and engages employees across all levels of an organization—ultimately driving performance and culture. How does internal communication differ from internal communications? The singular term refers to the overall strategy, while the plural refers to the tools and tactics used to execute that strategy. What are examples of internal communication tools? Some examples of internal communication tolls including intranets, internal newsletters, Slack or Teams, town hall meetings, surveys, digital signage, and video messages. How can we measure the effectiveness of internal communication? Some of the ways you can measure your internal communication effectiveness include employee surveys, engagement metrics, message read rates, intranet analytics, and qualitative feedback. Here’s a fun Digital Workplace IQ Quiz to see how your organization stacks up! How does an intranet improve internal communication? An intranet helps internal comms by centralizing information, ensuring message consistency, supporting collaboration, and offering measurable insights. What role does AI play in internal communication? AI can assist with content creation, enhance personalization, and improve enterprise search, making knowledge management and communication smarter and more timely. Final thoughts Internal communication is more than a company bulletin board or a top-down memo. It’s an essential part of employee experience, culture, and business success. With the right strategy, tools, and mindset, organizations can improve employee connection, boost productivity, and empower their modern workplace. Want to improve internal comms in your organization? Talk to us about building a modern intranet →