Develop an internal communications strategy and plan

A well-considered internal communications strategy and plan will help employees to feel more connected to your company, its programmes, goals and the decisions your leadership team makes. It can also help to create a shared understanding of the direction your company is moving towards and how you will get there.

Furthermore, when your internal communication strategy and plan is designed to encourage transparent two-way communication it can help your company build and strengthen trust, grow engagement and create a great employee experience while importantly delivering improved operational results.

Is there a difference between an internal communication strategy and an internal communication plan?

Definitely, yes! A strategy helps us define what we want to do and achieve through internal communication at a high level, while a plan outlines the practical and detailed steps we will take to bring the strategy to life over a specific timeframe. The strategy provides the guidelines and context in which you build your communication plan.

Simply put, the strategy sets the direction for our plan. Our plan, which includes tactics, will make our strategy happen.

The key elements of an internal communication strategy are:

1. Communication objectives: What you aim to achieve through communication.
2. Audiences: Who you need to communicate with.
3. Key messages: What you want to communicate.
4. Channels: The tools you will use to communicate.
5. Measurement: How you will measure your progress in meeting your objectives.

An internal communication plan outlines the communication activities, tools and tactics you will undertake to communicate with your audiences against a calendar.

This how-to guide offers you a step-by-step approach and set of practical templates to help you develop your internal communication strategy and plan.

Click here to download the How-to Guide: Develop an Internal Communication Strategy and Plan (PDF)
Click here to download the Internal Communication Strategy Template (MS Word)
Click here to download the Internal Audiences and Channels Matrix Template (MS Word)
Click here to download the Internal Communication Plan Template (MS Word)