Internal communicators, your job has never been more important – or more complicated. But luckily, the latest Gallagher Employee Communciations Report is here, packed with insights from over 2,000 professionals across 55 countries, and it’s shining a light on what’s working, what’s not, and where we need to level up.
So, let’s break it down. What does this mean for you, and how can you use these insights to make your internal communication efforts even more powerful?
1. Strategic alignment and culture are still the foundation – so how do we push further?
If you’ve been in the IC world for a while, this won’t be a shocker: strategic alignment and culture are still the top priorities. And while it’s great that we recognize their importance, the real question is: How do we make them even stronger?
Organizations that thrive aren’t just communicating; they’re connecting. They’re making sure every message ties back to their larger goals, ensuring employees don’t just know what’s going on but also why it matters. And yet, too often, comms feels like a one-way street instead of an ongoing conversation.
💡 Try this: Instead of just pushing out updates, build an internal storytelling culture. Show employees how their work connects to the bigger picture through real-life stories, spotlights, and leadership narratives that inspire action.
See what Sharn Kleiss, Strategy Partner of Employee Experience & Insights at Gallagher, says about how top down communication can foster a culture of culture and belonging 👇
2. Employee listening: why are we still lagging behind?
We talk a lot about employee listening, but let’s be honest – too many organizations are still doing it half-heartedly. The report shows that while it’s often mentioned, it rarely makes it into strategic planning. Why? Because gathering feedback is one thing, but acting on it? That’s a whole different game.
The “Thrivers” (organizations that are excelling in internal communication) are the ones that go beyond surveys. They host focus groups, conduct independent audits, and use managers as real-time feedback loops. Meanwhile, those that struggle often collect feedback but don’t do much with it.
💡 Try this: Ditch the once-a-year engagement survey and create continuous feedback loops. Think pulse surveys, manager check-ins, and AI-driven sentiment analysis to gauge how employees are feeling in real time. Then – here’s the kicker – actually do something with that feedback.
3. The biggest internal communication headaches: time, fatigue, and leadership gaps
If you’re feeling stretched too thin, you’re not alone. The report highlights some major barriers that internal communication teams are up against:
- Not enough time (49%) – Internal communication teams are juggling too much, making it hard to focus on strategy.
- Change fatigue is real (44%) – Employees are exhausted from constant change, and they need leadership support more than ever.
- Leadership isn’t always listening (38%) – 87% of communicators advise leaders, but only 70% say their advice gets taken seriously.
- Lack of clear leadership direction (39%) – When leaders don’t have a strong vision, internal communication teams are left trying to communicate… well, nothing.
💡 Try this: Advocate for leadership comms training (seriously, it’s time). Also, invest in automation and AI tools that take some of the tactical load off your team so you can focus on strategy instead of constantly putting out fires.
See what Gallagher says on how the right employee experience platform can save you time 👇
4. Measuring success: less fluff, more real impact
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been asked to prove the value of internal comms. (Yep, thought so.) The good news is, internal communication measurement is evolving, and it’s moving beyond vanity metrics like email open rates.
Top KPIs include:
✅ Employee engagement (71%)
✅ Workforce size and retention (47%)
✅ Turnover and attrition (44%)
But here’s the problem: many internal communication pros still struggle to translate numbers into insights. A whopping 1 in 5 communicators are still handing leadership reports that leave them asking, “So what?”
💡 Try this: Become a data storyteller. Instead of dumping stats, provide context. Show patterns, trends, and – most importantly – how IC efforts are moving the needle on business goals.
See what Gallagher says about what successful comms teams do differently when it comes to measuring impact 👇
5. Your channel strategy might be stuck in 2023
Here’s a reality check: over half of organizations haven’t changed their communication channels in the past year. That’s a problem because employee needs are evolving fast. The companies that did update their channel mix saw much higher satisfaction.
Some high-potential channels to consider:
✔️ Leader blogs
✔️ Manager-driven in-person events
✔️ Text messaging (WhatsApp, Viber, etc.)
✔️ Social and engagement platforms
💡 Try this: Take a hard look at your channel mix. Are you still relying on outdated methods, or are you meeting employees where they are? Also, team up with IT. Those who collaborate with IT on communication tools see way better results.
6. AI in internal comms: a game-changer or a disaster waiting to happen?
Like it or not, AI is making its way into internal communication. The report shows that 80% of communicators are open to AI-assisted content creation, with some even willing to let AI take the reins entirely. But there’s a catch: 38% of companies have zero AI governance in place.
AI can help streamline content creation, automate admin tasks, and even analyze engagement trends. But without guidelines, there’s a real risk of misinformation and losing the human touch.
💡 Try this: Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. Set clear guidelines on when and how to use AI, and make sure content still feels authentic and aligned with your company’s voice.
Final thoughts: how IC pros can win in 2025
The Gallagher report makes one thing clear: internal communication isn’t just about pushing out messages, it’s about driving real business impact.
To thrive in 2025, IC teams need to:
- Align comms with business goals and company culture
- Get better at measuring and proving impact (data literacy matters!)
- Train leaders to communicate better – it’s a must
- Keep listening to employees and acting on what they say
- Explore AI – but use it wisely
The right technology can transform how you communicate, making it easier to reach employees, track engagement, and adapt to change – without adding to your already full plate. A platform like Haiilo can centralize that communication, boost employee advocacy, and give you the insights you need to prove impact.
In short, the future of internal communication isn’t just about working harder, it’s about working smarter with the right tools at your fingertips.
Want to know where Sharn Kleiss from Gallagher sees internal comms heading in 2025? Catch her top priorities in this 15-minute highlight from our last Haiilo Breakfast Club 👇
How can Haiilo help?
When communication falls short, engagement, alignment, and productivity take a hit. Haiilo empowers internal communicators to build a more connected, engaged, and informed workforce – turning communication into a competitive advantage.
With Haiilo, you can:
✅ Reach every employee, everywhere – Whether your workforce is hybrid, remote, or deskless, deliver targeted, personalized updates that keep everyone in the loop.
✅ Break down silos with a seamless experience – Social intranet, communication tools, advocacy, and employee listening – all in one integrated platform.
✅ Cut through the noise and drive engagement – Reduce tool fatigue with seamless integrations into your HR and IT tech stack.
✅ Turn insights into action – Gain real-time sentiment data to track engagement, well-being, and the effectiveness of your internal communications.
The Haiilo impact:
📊 67% better insights into employee needs
🚀 300% ROI through improved retention & productivity
💡 21% higher profitability in engaged workplaces
The future of internal communication is smarter, more strategic, and more data-driven. Let Haiilo help you lead the way.
See how Haiilo positively impacts your internal communication strategy
