What is Internal Communications?
30 September 2026
New to internal comms? Perhaps you’ve been tasked with getting an internal communications function up and running at your organisation? Fear not, we are here to help!
Start off by reading our basic guide to IC right here.
What is internal communication?
Internal communication (or IC/internal comms) is how organisations share information with their people. Good internal comms help people to understand and get involved with business priorities, new strategies, and change. In fact, pretty much everything that goes on in your business and what people need to know about. It goes way beyond just sharing company news. Done well, it helps employees understand what might be changing, why it matters, and what they need to do. It’s all about engaging people and making sure they have all the information they need to thrive and do brilliant work.
Why do you need internal communications?
People do their best work when they have clarity and when they feel engaged and part of your business. Internal communications help employees connect their role to wider business goals, to feel supported and involved, and to stay informed about change. It gives them the information they need to make decisions. It also supports employee engagement, helping organisations build trust, consistency, and a stronger sense of connection. All good ingredients for a happy and productive culture.
How can you use internal communications?
Internal communications support nearly every part of the employee experience. Internal comms can communicate business strategy, manage organisational change, promote learning opportunities, celebrate success, support wellbeing initiatives, and encourage collaboration across teams. It’s not just about sending out an email. Internal comms channels might be posters, videos, employee surveys, town halls and meetings, scripts and prompts for senior leaders, internal social media pages, intranets and much more. The key is delivering the right message to the right audience through the right channels.
How is it measured?
If you’re building a strategy, planning a change programme, or looking to increase employee engagement, effective communication can help turn information into action. You’ll see the results in improved feedback and sentiment, better business results, happier and more engaged teams, and retention of your best talent.
Starting out or just need some support? You’ve come to the right place!
At The Surgery, we can help you create and design internal communications that are insight-led, clear, practical, and focused on your people and delivering measurable outcomes. We move organisations forward by delivering Work That Works®, so get in touch today!