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As technology brings more avenues for communication to our personal and work lives, it’s important for corporate communicators to keep an eye on the latest internal communications statistics.
More organizations are prioritizing internal communications, so there is a greater need to understand its important role in supporting key business objectives. We’ve gathered some of the latest internal communications statistics to help you understand this evolving communications field.
1. Globally, 21% of internal communicators admitted that they do not employ any form of formal planning.
According to Gatehouse State of the Sector 2018, that number increases to 31% for communicators in North America. This data suggests that in many organizations communications are still more reactive than proactive.
Related: Content Planning: A Simple Recipe to Improve Internal Communication
2. “Communicating strategy, values and purposes” was listed as a key priority by 64% of communicators responding to Gatehouse.
Other key priorities for communicators include:
- Digital channels (53%)
- Enhancing leadership communication (46%)
- Supporting change (38%)
Related: How Technology and Culture Impact the Employee Experience
3. Only 54% of respondents in a VMA group study strongly agree/ agree that progress towards communications objectives are researched, measured, and evaluated with metrics and KPIs.
Internal communications statistics from the Gatehouse study listed above indicate those who do measure the following channels:
- Employee engagement surveys (69%)
- Email stats (44%)
- Pulse surveys (43%)
- Social media metrics (38%)
Related: Overcoming Internal Communications Metrics Anxiety
4. 43% of U.S. employees work remotely at least some of the time, according to a Gallup study.
With the rise of remote work arrangements, organizations need to consider how to communicate important messages to these employees. When developing your internal communications strategy, make sure this unique employee segment receives the information they need without ever having to step foot in the office.
Related: Overcoming Social Distance in Remote Employment
5. 95% of communicators use email as a feedback channel, yet only 44% use email statistics as a measure of their effectiveness.
With feedback being an essential part of an internal communications strategy, it’s important to know that your emails are being received by employees. According to a 2017 study, the “typical’’ knowledge worker spends 11.7 hours each week processing email at work. It’s easy for internal communications emails to get lost in the shuffle.
Related: How to Make Better Pulse Surveys (And Pulse Survey Questions for Employees, Too)
6. “Senior leadership” ranked second on AON’s list of top engagement opportunities.
Including the voice of your leadership team as part of your internal communications strategy can have a significant impact on the employee experience. AON’s data provides a strong indication that employees desire communication and interaction with leaders at all levels of the company. Often, there are geographic or other obstacles that prevent employees and leaders from connecting. Internal communications, especially digital channels, can overcome those obstacles and connect leaders and employees.
Related: Leadership Communication: Small Effort, Big Impact
These are just a sampling of the internal communications statistics currently available. For the latest trends in communication, employee experience, and more delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Gather Around newsletter. 
