3 tips on communicating effectively across a global company
Managing internal communications in a large, global organisation can be a daunting task. Imagine being responsible for conveying important messages to a workforce of over 15,000 employees, scattered across multiple time zones, speaking different languages, and operating in diverse cultural environments. Now, add the challenge that many of these employees are not sitting at a desk all day—they're out in the field, focused on their tasks, far from their communication channels and you may be wondering… how do you achieve the impossible?
A marketing mindset
The marketing mindset involves understanding the preferences of a diverse audience in order to deliver messages through multiple channels, while using data to refine the approach continually.For instance, using internal comms tools like HubSpot, where you can track engagement and adjust strategies based on what the data reveals.
Reaching the hard-to-reach
One of the biggest challenges in internal communications is reaching employees who are not desk-based. Though there are some solutions that allow all team members to get involved. For example, using talking points for leaders to receive and share with their teams during daily meetings. This ensures that crucial information is communicated consistently and directly to those on the front lines, while adding a touch point for any key notes.
Not to mention making sure that your intranet is at the forefront of everyone’s day as their default browser homepage on all company computers, ensuring that employees are greeted with important updates as soon as they log in.
New technology
Never stop learning and never stop innovating - make sure to explore the use of new technologies like AI and virtual reality to enhance your internal communications. Tools like ChatGPT and Google Docs for drafting comms, or Vouch to streamline video content creation. There are so many great advancements that can speed up the process of communicating across a global workforce, such as included translation services for across the world.
While internal comms strategy is continually evolving, the core principles remain the same: ensuring that every employee, regardless of location or role, has access to the information they need and feels connected to the company’s purpose and values. Effective internal communication in a large, global organisation requires creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the audience - all of which need to stay at the forefront of any comms function, but especially a global one. Plus, if you need any templates to make any of this happen, we’ve got you covered here.
Need some extra help?
If you know what you’re doing but you’re time-poor, or perhaps need a bit of guidance, we’ve got some easy-to-use template packs that can help you get started - we’ve got you covered here.