How to Increase Employee Engagement With Internal Tools?

Engaged employees are crucial for organizational success. By internal communication tools for employees, we mean software and platforms used to connect, align and inform your internal teams.

When optimized effectively, these tools can increase productivity, knowledge sharing, and camaraderie. This builds an engaged, motivated workforce.

However, simply implementing new apps and capabilities presents challenges. You must proactively encourage adoption and participation for success.

This article reveals key features to emphasize and common pitfalls to avoid when utilizing internal tools to stimulate employee engagement.


internal communication tools for employees

Listen to Employees and Identify Needs

The first step is understanding what employees want and need:

●      Conduct surveys to gather feedback on engagement levels and internal communication.

●      Interview team members across departments about pain points and desired improvements.

●      Audit existing software/tools in terms of usage, helpful aspects and limitations.

Analyzing results identifies targeted opportunities to better support employees. Acting on this input rather than assumptions boosts adoption.

Method

Example

Surveys

Quarterly engagement pulse surveys with multiple choice and open-ended questions

Interviews

30-60 minute sessions with 5-10 people from each department

Audits

Review software usage data and features used/not used

Choose Tools Strategically Based on Key Metrics

With needs identified from the discovery phase, critically evaluate new platforms and capabilities on key factors influencing engagement:

1. Facilitates Community

●      Chat/forums: Enables peer learning and relationships

●      Groups/teams: Aligns people by preferences, projects or social causes

●      Profiles: Allows teams to connect on shared interests

2. Recognizes Contributions

●      Praise features: Allow peer kudos, badges, rewards and incentives

●      Impact tracking: Quantifies participation with point systems and leaderboards

3. Provides Autonomy

●      Self-service options: Empowers people to find their own answers first

●      User preferences: Offers personalization around notifications and content

4. Promotes Transparency

●      Access controls: Clear visibility rules avoid confusion around permissions

●      Feedback channels: Creates safe space for constructive suggestions

●      Exec updates: Leaders share company news and plans openly

Balancing these factors tailored to your teams drives consistent engagement more effectively than generalized solutions.

internal communication tools for employees

Launch New Tools by Focusing On People First

The most advanced internal tools fail without a people-centric launch:

●      Early access groups: Gives enthusiastic users early trial access for feedback

●      Local influencers: Identify respected voices to advocate the tool’s value

●      Tailored training: Creates role-specific guidance and self-help options

●      Quick wins: Highlight early user success stories and valuable content created

●      Management nudges: Leaders visibly use and reference the tools regularly

This guidance helps the workforce feel supported in adopting new platforms for the long-term.

Continually Evaluate and Optimize

Finally, actively monitor how employees utilize internal tools:

●      Watch usage data: Identify most/least used capabilities to double down or deprioritize

●      User interviews: Regularly check-in with individuals on challenges and opportunities

●      Surveys: Pulse checks to benchmark adoption and engagement over time

●      Feedback channels: Easy venues for suggestions like Slack channels or help boards

Continuous improvement is key. By regularly optimizing internal communication tools for specific teams rather than general solutions, employee engagement reaches its full potential.

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