What is Internal Communication?
We define internal communication as the art and science of enabling people at work to feel informed, connected and purposeful in order to drive organisational performance.
The Purpose and Impact of Internal Communication
At the IoIC, we believe the core purpose of internal communication is to enable people at work to feel informed, connected and purposeful to drive organisational performance.
The IoIC exists to promote and advocate for the real and measurable impact that effective internal communication has on both organisational performance and the day-to-day experiences of people at work.
When internal communication is done well, it becomes a critical building block for both human and organisational success. It creates the conditions for people to do their best work, and for organisations to be more connected, engaged, agile, resilient, and aligned.
Effective internal communication helps to:
- Build trust and transparency
- Foster engagement and motivation
- Enable personal and organisational transformation and resilience
- Support inclusion and belonging
- Drive strategic alignment, performance and results
- Strengthen cross-team and intra-organisational cohesion and collaboration
- Enhance brand and personal reputation and trust
- Improve talent attraction, engagement and retention
- Increase colleague satisfaction and wellbeing
- Spark creativity, innovation and problem solving
Organisations that communicate effectively with their internal stakeholders are more productive, sustainable and successful. They are better places to work – and far better equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.
What Internal Communicators Do
Internal communication is a dynamic, strategic profession. It shapes the way people understand, connect with, and contribute to their organisation. It plays a key role in change, culture, leadership, and engagement.
Internal communication professionals work across every level of an organisation. They are the strategic advisors, creative storytellers, cultural champions, and change enablers. Their work includes:
- Creating internal communication strategies, plans and campaigns
- Crafting clear, relevant and meaningful messages
- Designing and delivering multi-channel communication strategies
- Facilitating conversations, active listening and feedback loops
- Bringing organisational purpose, vision and values to life
- Supporting organisational change and business transformation
- Acting as an organisational bridge to foster stronger human connection.
- Coaching and enabling leaders and managers to communicate with impact
- Influencing and advising internal stakeholders, and acting as trusted strategic partners
- Experimenting with new communication technologies for optimal efficiency and impact
- Measuring impact and driving continuous improvement in their approach
Internal communicators translate complexity into clarity. They turn strategy into action. They ensure that people not only hear what’s happening – but understand it, care about it, and see how they can contribute.
Setting the Standard for Excellence: The IoIC Profession Map
The IoIC Profession Map is at the heart of our commitment to advancing the practice of internal communication. It clearly defines the skills, knowledge, and behaviours that internal communicators need to succeed – today and in the future.
This comprehensive framework sets the global standards for internal communication, guiding practitioners at every stage of their career. It enables professionals to grow with confidence, demonstrate credibility, and deliver meaningful impact within their organisations.
The IoIC believes that by striving to build the capabilities outlined in the Profession Map – and by positioning themselves as trusted, strategic partners – internal communication professionals have a pivotal role to play in helping organisations achieve their objectives.
Whether you’re just starting out, growing your influence, or leading a team, the IoIC Profession Map is your guide to a fulfilling and impactful career in internal communication.