Top 13 Internal Communication Tools for Your Company Teams

Have you ever wondered why some businesses thrive while others struggle despite having great teams? The answer lies in how effectively they communicate.

Effective internal communication tools can be critical when it comes to business success, transforming talented individuals into cohesive, high-performing teams. The right communication platforms can bridge gaps, break down silos, and create a seamless flow of information that powers innovation, productivity, and collaboration.

This article explores the importance of tools for internal communication, their benefits, and a list of 13 communication tools to choose from, helping you make an informed choice for your company.

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Understanding Internal Communication Tools

Internal communication tools bridge the gap between teams, ensuring that employees stay aligned, informed, and motivated. As businesses evolve to accommodate hybrid and mobile workforces, these tools have become important for maintaining connection and collaboration among your teams.

What Are Internal Communication Tools?

Tools for internal communication are platforms and technologies designed to provide information exchange within your company. From sharing updates to enhancing collaboration, these tools ensure that everyone stays aligned with your company’s objectives.

Why Are They Essential?

Strong internal communication is necessary to build a positive workplace culture. According to a study by Gallup, organizations with engaged employees see 21% higher profitability. Tools that encourage transparency, dialogue, and inclusivity contribute directly to these outcomes.

Internal communication tools are necessary for a connected and engaged workforce. They directly contribute to your company’s success by fostering transparency and collaboration.

Now you know the importance of tools for internal communication, let’s understand some of their benefits.

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Benefits of Using Internal Communication Tools

The right tools for internal communication drive productivity and strengthen team cohesion. By addressing common communication challenges, these tools help you build a more connected, efficient, and engaged team. Let’s learn more about the benefits these tools offer:

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1. Real-Time Collaboration and Productivity Improvement

Modern tools like instant messaging platforms help teams to collaborate easily, resolving issues quickly and improving productivity. Using tools for team discussions reduces the need for lengthy email chains, allowing decisions to be made faster.

2. Enhancement of Employee Engagement and Company Culture

Internal communication tools encourage employees to voice their opinions and help them stay informed about your company’s initiatives. They maintain a culture of transparency and continuous feedback, building trust and collaboration among your team members.

3. Reduction in Email Overload

According to McKinsey, employees spend 28% of their workweek reading and responding to emails. Tools like task management apps and chat platforms reduce dependency on emails and create a structured workflow within your company.

Once you know the benefits of tools for internal communication, you can differentiate among the types of internal communication tools and choose the one that works best for your company. Let’s now explore the different types of tools for internal communication.

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Types of Internal Communication Tools

There are various types of communication tools that businesses use according to their needs. Below are different types of tools for internal communication to help you understand what can work best for your teams:

1. Email Communication Tools

Traditional yet important email tools like Gmail and Outlook carry formal communications, especially for external and company-wide announcements.

2. Instant Messaging and Chat Tools

Platforms like Udext, Slack, and Microsoft Teams allow for real-time collaboration, ideal for quick updates and group discussions.

3. Video Conferencing Tools

Platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet provide face-to-face virtual communication, which is essential for remote team meetings and presentations.

4. Intranet Platforms

Intranets like SharePoint and Workvivo serve as centralized hubs for company updates, policies, and resources, ensuring easy access for employees.

5. Employee Recognition and Reward Platforms

Platforms like Bonusly and Kazoo celebrate achievements and foster a culture of appreciation.

6. Feedback Tools

Tools like 15Five and TINYpulse enable companies to gather actionable insights through surveys and polls.

Now that we’ve covered the different types of tools for internal communication, let’s dive into the top 13 tools that can enhance your team’s communication and collaboration.

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Top 13 Internal Communication Tools for Your Teams

Below is a comprehensive list of the 13 tools for internal communication to enhance internal communication:

1. Udext

Text messaging platform to communicate and engage with employees

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Udext is a platform tailored for your mobile and non-desk employees, and its SMS-based system to connect with employees ensures real-time delivery of messages, which makes it an indispensable tool for multiple industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Udext SMS platform provides features such as two-way communication, multilingual support, and integration with HRIS systems that make it a go-to tool for improving employee engagement.

Use Case: A healthcare provider uses Udext to send safety alerts to its on-field nursing staff, ensuring timely updates during emergencies.

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2. Slack

Slack for seamless employee collaboration

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Slack allows teams to create channels for different projects, ensuring organized communication. Its integration capabilities with tools like Asana and Google Drive enhance your employee's productivity.

Use Case: A marketing team uses Slack channels for brainstorming campaigns, ensuring all ideas are documented and accessible to all employees.

3. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft integrated platform Microsoft Teams for better collaboration

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A collaboration platform, Teams combines chat, video conferencing, and file sharing, making it a primary choice for organizations using Microsoft Office.

Use Case: A finance department uses Teams to discuss budget updates and share Excel files in real time.

4. Zoom

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Zoom excels in virtual video meetings with features like breakout rooms and screen sharing, ensuring your employees have engaging and productive sessions.

Use Case: A remote IT team uses Zoom for weekly stand-ups to discuss project progress and challenges.

5. Workvivo

Platform to boost employee productivity and engagement

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An intranet platform designed to boost employee engagement, Workvivo integrates social features like activity feeds and employee shoutouts.

Use Case: A retail chain uses Workvivo to recognize top-performing employees and share success stories across branches.

6. SharePoint

Share and manage content, knowledge, and applications to empower your teams

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As part of the Microsoft suite, SharePoint serves as a centralized platform for document management and internal updates.

Use Case: An HR team uses SharePoint to store policies and employee handbooks, ensuring easy access for all staff.

7. Mailchimp

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While primarily a marketing tool, Mailchimp’s newsletter features are ideal for internal updates and keeping employees informed.

Use Case: A corporate communications team uses Mailchimp to share monthly updates with employees, including company achievements and upcoming events.

8. CultureAmp

Build a high-performing team with project tracking

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Designed for employee experience management, CultureAmp helps organizations measure and act on engagement insights.

Use Case: The leadership team leverages CultureAmp to analyze survey results and implement targeted initiatives to enhance employee morale.

9. ZoomInfo Engage

A prospecting tool that doubles as an internal communication platform, enabling seamless collaboration across sales teams.

Use Case: A sales team uses ZoomInfo Engage to share real-time updates on prospecting activities and coordinate outreach strategies.

10. Bonusly

Celebrate milestones, reward wins, and boost employee engagement.

An employee recognition tool that enables peer-to-peer recognition and rewards, fostering a positive workplace culture.

Use Case: A customer support team recognizes outstanding contributions by peers through Bonusly, enhancing team morale and collaboration.

11. BambooHR

Track work hours, manage benefits enrollment, and run payroll, all from a single platform

A comprehensive HR tool that simplifies onboarding, payroll, and employee engagement.

Use Case: The HR department uses BambooHR to streamline onboarding for new hires, ensuring they receive the necessary training and resources.

12. SAP SuccessFactors

Improve every employee experience, workforce decision, and people process across HR teams

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An enterprise-grade HR platform offering tools for performance management, learning, and employee engagement.

Use Case: A multinational corporation manages employee performance reviews and professional development plans through SAP SuccessFactors.

13. Yammer (Viva Engage)

Engage in social communities created around interests and build relationships within your company

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Yammer, now Viva Engage, part of the Microsoft suite, functions as an internal social network for fostering connections and sharing updates.

Use Case: A manufacturing company uses Yammer to connect frontline workers with corporate updates and encourage peer-to-peer interaction.

Having explored the top 13 tools for internal communication, it’s important to consider how to choose the right one for your team’s unique needs and objectives.

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Choosing the Right Internal Communication Tools

Selecting the right tool for your business depends on several factors. A few of these are mentioned below:

1. Identifying Company-Specific Needs

Understand your employee’s communication habits and preferences. For instance, non-desk employees may require SMS-based tools like Udext, while office teams may prefer chat platforms like Slack.

2. Importance of Integration with Existing Systems

Choose tools that integrate with your current systems, such as HRIS or payroll software, to streamline processes.

3. Evaluating User-Friendliness and Security

Prioritize tools that are easy to use and comply with data protection regulations because they ensure both accessibility and confidentiality.

By carefully selecting the right internal communication tools, you can ensure your team remains connected, productive, and engaged, driving overall business success.

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Conclusion

Effective tools for internal communication are necessary for fostering collaboration, productivity, and a strong workplace culture. With tools like Udext for SMS alerts, Slack for real-time chats, and Bonusly for employee recognition, you can address specific needs and enhance employee engagement.

Choosing the right tools involves understanding your team's requirements, ensuring seamless integration, and prioritizing usability and security. By investing in the right communication solutions, you can build stronger connections, improve efficiency, and drive long-term success.

With Udext, you can drive business success by sending real-time alerts and notifications to keep your workforce informed, engaged, and connected.

Udext can help you create an end-to-end communication channel for your employees to foster employee relationships and boost your growth. Schedule a demo now!

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