Have you read the IC Index 2024?
Do you know how to use it to develop your internal communication approach?
In the second of a two-part series, Shalini Gupta, IoIC Board member and Head of Internal Communications, UKIMEA, Arup shares some suggestions on how in-house communicators can use the 2024 IC Index findings.
The IC Index was published by the Institute of Internal Communication and Ipsos Karian & Box last month.
In her first article on the All Things IC blog, Shalini shared her insights from the IC Index, including what’s new when it comes to the relationship between trust and leaders, supporting line managers during times of change and the scepticism from employees on transparency of messaging on the hot topic of return to office.
Image used with permission from the Institute of Internal Communication
Shalini, how can IC pros use the IC Index?
Remembering that the IC Index is more than just data points is important. The insights offer a valuable lens for IC pros to put the unique experience of their organisations into perspective and leverage them to guide conversations with their leaders and their teams to inform their strategic planning.
As good practice, regularly reviewing and adapting our communication strategy based on robust external data always ensures that our communication efforts remain effective and relevant.
One of the most compelling findings is the direct link between excellent internal communication and high trust in leadership.
IC professionals should take this to heart by prioritising listening loops, transparency and authenticity in all communications. This means regular opportunities for listening, making sure leaders are open about organisational changes, taking a stance about key issues, managing employee scepticism head-on, acknowledging challenges and celebrating successes with equal candour.
All the insights from the report and keeping in mind investing in trusted partnerships with our PR and HR friends pays dividends, especially in turbulent times when leaders are expected to take stands on societal issues and managers are required to communicate change.
Building trust internally is crucial so that our messages resonate consistently externally. Collaborating closely with HR ensures that changes are effectively communicated and understood at all levels, empowering line managers to transparently and empathetically communicate change and enhancing employee engagement and trust during transition periods.
Over the last few years, we’ve done brilliant work in building an understanding of where we can add value as communicators. However, given the rapid pace of change both internally and externally, now is the time to use our communication superpower and the insights in the index to influence, build those stakeholder partnerships, and create a positive employee experience that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on productivity, retention, advocacy, and reputation.
What advice would you give an in-house IC pro reading the IC Index for the first time?
The IC Index is a tool to guide your internal communication efforts. It’s not just about the numbers but about understanding their implications and how they can enhance communication within the context of your organisation.
- Familiarise yourself with the index and metrics
- Identify key insights, such as trends, strengths, and areas for improvement
- Use the index as a benchmark to measure your current practices against industry standard
- Consider how the recommended strategies can be adapted to your organisation’s unique context. For example, look at the data on transparency and scepticism, the four trust types, and how you can change the minds of your ‘all-round cynics’. Then, tailor your communication strategies to address some of these complexities and build trust.
- Engage relevant stakeholders by sharing key findings. Use the insights to inform your comms planning, ensuring that your initiatives are tailored to meet the needs of your diverse audience and your organisation’s unique needs.
Is there anything else we should know or you want to tell us?
While the IC Index focuses on UK employees and IC pros, its findings reflect universal challenges that transcend borders, emphasising the need for thoughtful communication, trust-building, and employee engagement worldwide.
The rapid pace of the digital and AI age, coupled with unprecedented geopolitical challenges globally, presents both opportunities for engagement and the risk of creating overwhelm, leading to trust issues. So, it’s essential to keep in mind our channels and tools for internal communications that are globally applicable yet adaptable.
The insights provided by the index offer a solid foundation for guiding communicators to consider communication strategies that address these universal challenges and ensure effective, inclusive engagement across all regions.
Thank you Shalini for your insights. You can connect with Shalini via LinkedIn.
Post author: Shalini Gupta
First published on the All Things IC blog 12 July 2024.
Struggling to find the right training course for your team?
What if we told you we can create a bespoke training session designed with you in mind?
We spend time to understand exactly what want you to achieve and create training solutions that meet those needs. Comms pros tell us you leave our sessions feeling informed, inspired and empowered to act immediately.
Recent bespoke team development sessions we’ve created and delivered include:
- Developing staff engagement plans
- Creating measurement approaches to demonstrate impact and outcomes
- Developing the right change communication approaches for your business
- Exploring the skill set and mindset you need to thrive.
Bespoke, remote 90-minute sessions for your team start from £1999 plus local taxes for up to 10 people ($2559 USD or $3795 AUD plus local taxes).