CorpComms Magazine

More than two thirds of internal communications professionals intend to change their mode of communication this year as a direct result of the economic slowdown, according to a new survey.

Eight out of ten intend to increase spending on face-to-face meetings while 62 per cent will increase spending on the intranet, claims the analysis by Allman Communication. One third will cut back on internal events, such as conferences.

Lesley Allman, managing director of Allman Communication, said: 'Organisations are considering how best to communicate with their employees during hard times, and tailoring their plans (and spend) accordingly.

'This is promising news as one thing that was learned from the previous recession is that those companies that can maintain employee engagement and benefit from extra effort from their staff have a much better chance of surviving and flourishing during the tough times.'

Allman recommends increased use of 'quick listening channels', such as walkabouts and focus groups, to communicate with staff and receive valuable feedback.

The survey also found that four out of ten respondents intend cutting back on internal newsletters and magazines in an effort to reduce costs, but eight per cent plan increased budgets for their print communications.

Just one in five internal communications departments expect to cut staff numbers, but 55 per cent claim that headcount will be unchanged while six per cent remain undecided.

However, 78 per cent of internal communication budgets will be cut or frozen. Just eight per cent have an increased budget to work with this year.

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