In this comprehensive guide, we take a look at the top internal communication software platforms and how to choose the right one for your business. From Axero’s commitment to simplicity to Slack’s prowess in dynamic employee engagement, these internal communication tools have key features and benefits—it all depends on what your internal communications strategy is and how your teams work today.
72% of business leaders believe effective internal communication increases their team’s productivity (Sociabble, 2023). So, with the right employee communication software and an expert strategy, your team could rise among the top performers in their industry.
Here’s everything you need to know about internal communication software and how to choose the right one for your employees.
Table of Contents
How to Choose an Internal Communication Software
Choose the right internal communication software by understanding the problems in your current corporate strategy, and which type of software could solve them. Here are 10 types of communications software and how they could boost effective internal communication in your team:
Collaboration apps: A collaboration app is a software tool that facilitates real-time communication, file sharing, and project collaboration among team members. They’re well-suited for companies of all sizes, especially those with remote or dispersed teams.
Company intranets: A company intranet is an internal network or website that provides employees with a centralized platform to share information, collaborate on projects, and access company resources, promoting efficient employee communications and information exchange. They’re particularly beneficial for larger organizations with complex communication needs.
Internal social networks: Internal social networks replicate social media networks’ functionality but for internal use within organizations. Companies that prioritize open and transparent communication, encourage employee engagement, and have a culture of collaboration would benefit most from enterprise social networking as their internal communications software.
Instant messaging tools: Instant messaging tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams encourage quick and regular internal communications and remove the need for phone calls. They’re generally used for more informal updates and keep remote teams connected.
Newsletter and announcement tools: These tools deliver vital updates, news, and announcements to employees in a visually engaging format. They circulate company news, policy changes, and critical information. Newsletter and announcement software are best for larger organizations or dispersed teams where centralized communication is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Video conferencing software: Video calls have taken over conferencing tools, allowing face-to-face communication and virtual meetings. This software is essential for most companies but proves especially valuable for remote teams to give employees a sense of connectedness.
Employee feedback and survey tools: Companies prioritizing employee feedback, engagement, and continuous improvement would benefit from adding employee feedback and survey tools to their internal communication software arsenal. This type of software is particularly valuable for organizations aiming to gather insights, measure employee satisfaction, and make data-driven decisions to enhance their workplace environment and culture.
Internal blogs and knowledge management: If knowledge sharing, information management, and internal education are pain points in your communication strategy, internal blogs and knowledge management could be the employee communication software for you. This type of software is valuable for organizations looking to facilitate the creation, sharing, and accessibility of knowledge, best practices, and insights to improve decision-making and employee development.
Mobile apps for internal communication: Remote workforces or those aiming to enhance communication and engagement among employees who work on the go would benefit from mobile intranet apps. This software is ideal for businesses that need to provide their employees with easy access to internal updates, messages, and resources regardless of their physical location.
13 Best Internal Communication Software Platforms in 2024
Now you know what type of internal communication software your team needs, it’s time to decide which platform will work best.
1. Axero: Best overall internal communications software
Axero is a cloud based intranet solution with comprehensive features bringing communication, employee engagement, and knowledge management software into one, making effective communication second nature.
Axero offers a suite of business communication tools that supercharge collaboration and communication, focusing on simplicity and centralization for streamlined processes and enhanced productivity:
- Efficient Communication: Real-time chat and messaging features ensure vital messages are never missed, fostering efficient communication and task progress.
- Centralization: Axero is a hub for easy access to crucial updates and announcements, ensuring clarity and alignment among employees.
- Security: Discussion forums create transparent conversations, reducing misunderstandings and promoting conflict resolution.
- Issue Tracking: Axero’s tracking system empowers proactive communication by providing insights into challenges and solutions.
- Streamlined Interaction: Axero enhances employee engagement, boosts productivity, and refines task execution, aiding communication effectiveness and retention.
- Sophisticated Tools: Axero’s toolkit allows for efficient orchestration, distribution, management, and analysis of internal communication campaigns, enhancing communication efficiency and pinpointing areas for improvement.
2. Slack: Best collaboration platform for employee engagement
Elevate your internal communication with Slack, software designed for seamless collaboration. Boost productivity and engagement through versatile features that facilitate streamlined interactions among teams. Create groups with Slack channels or send direct messages to promote efficient internal communications, allowing real-time discussions and customized notifications to create an agile workplace.
Its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities make Slack a powerful tool for cross-channel collaboration, even for remote teams. Users can connect their favorite apps, enhancing workflow efficiency and information exchange and promoting transparent, real-time communication. Slack is ideal for organizations seeking efficient and engaging employee communication software. However, there are some limitations when it comes to achieving other workplace goals, which you can learn more about here.
3. Connecteam: Best for mobile apps
Connecteam is one of the best internal communication platforms for its mobile app solution, integrating various tools into a unified software that enables teams to come together. It streamlines team conversations with features like:
- group or private chat
- employee directory
- employee surveys
- Social posts
Let collaboration flourish with Connecteam’s employee internal communication tools for seamless teamwork, idea sharing, and collective goal pursuit. By eliminating communication barriers and providing immediate updates and employee feedback channels, Connecteam strengthens team connections. Its versatile approach to communication, including support for rich media, ensures a dynamic and engaging employee experience.
4. Homebase: Best for small teams
Discover Homebase, the ultimate internal communications solution for small teams with a host of benefits:
- Boost productivity with precise shift scheduling and performance tracking.
- Comprehensive HR Platform: Designed for small businesses, Homebase offers a unified HR platform to simplify operations with time tracking and performance management.
- Direct Messaging: Say goodbye to lengthy email chains with Homebase’s team communication software, ensuring swift internal comms.
Homebase combines basic internal communications tools within a unified solution. It’s designed to eliminate the complexities associated with multiple tools and vendors, ideal for small teams.
5. Blink: Best for crisis management
Blink offers highly customized and branded internal communications. Diverse internal communication tools replace traditional email, ensuring essential messages are always seen. It’s one of the best platforms for critical event communication, enhancing business resilience with improved message readership and multi-channel outreach.
6. Staffbase
Staffbase is another leading company intranet platform. It’s a dedicated hub for organizations to centralize their internal communication efforts, engage employees, and foster a sense of community within the workforce.
Staffbase enables teams to deliver vital information to the whole team with consistent messaging through a fully customizable and branded platform.
Its diverse toolkit fosters a sense of community, while robust analytics and feedback mechanisms enable continuous improvement in communication strategies.
7. SnapComms: Best for newsletters and announcements
SnapComms is another standout internal communication tool for delivering crucial employee communications effectively. Its versatile toolkit ensures high readership and engagement with these key features:
- full-screen emergency alerts
- scrolling news tickers
- pop-up push notifications
- interactive screensavers
- and desktop tickers
The platform’s customization, branding, and versatile toolkit guarantee direct message delivery to employees, regardless of location.
8. Google Workspace: Most accessible employee communication software
Google Workspace is a great internal communications software if you’re looking for a cost-effective option. Its collaboration tools streamline internal communications, enabling:
- instant sharing of ideas
- real-time collaboration
- and video calls from any location
Its cloud-based accessibility supports flexible work arrangements, and Gmail is the centralized internal communications hub. With competitive pricing, seamless integrations, and 24/7 customer support, Google Workspace offers a cost-effective and efficient internal communication solution.
9. Monday.com: Best for internal comms to improve task management
Monday.com is a brilliant internal project management software that brings communication to the forefront of operations. It’s a versatile platform that combines internal communication and project management tools, enhancing team productivity. It offers cloud-based accessibility, ideal for flexible work setups and efficient project management.
With tailored branding and intuitive features, it empowers project leaders to manage and assign tasks with effective internal communications. Its adaptability suits various industries and team sizes, supported by robust reporting for data-driven decisions, making it an indispensable tool for modern organizations.
10. Microsoft Teams: Best for instant messaging
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that offers instant idea sharing and remote meetings, bringing all your team members together. Cloud based and mobile friendly, it supports flexible work arrangements, fostering overall efficiency.
As a central hub for communication, Teams ensures reliable information exchange and can be fully branded for company identity, promoting trust and engagement.
Innovative features boost engagement, while seamless integration with Microsoft products and third-party apps enhances productivity. Robust reporting and analytics refine internal communications strategies, making Microsoft Teams a comprehensive solution for cohesive and productive organizations.
11. Zoom: Best video conferencing software
Zoom, enables face-to-face discussions through video calls, supporting remote work. Its real-time direct messaging and a cloud-based phone system enhance internal communications. Screen sharing, whiteboard, and customizable notifications aid collaboration and productivity. Integrations with apps like Salesforce and Google Workspace streamline workflows. Zoom’s rich features drive efficient internal communication, boosting productivity and collaboration across teams and environments.
12. Workvivo: Best internal social network
WorkVivo is an internal communications software that streamlines engagement. It centralizes communication, enhances engagement, and fosters customization. With interactive features, a user-friendly platform, robust tools, customization, analytics, and seamless integrations, WorkVivo elevates internal communication and productivity.
13. Haiilo: Best for internal blogs and knowledge management
Haiilo stands out with its unique feature of consolidating internal communications into a centralized hub. This allows organizations to plan, create, distribute, and analyze all internal communications efficiently, ensuring that employees receive vital information with precision and enhancing overall internal communication effectiveness.
The internal communication software that grows with your team.
In today’s business landscape, effective communication is the cornerstone of success. Whether you’re a small startup or a global enterprise, finding the right internal communication software is crucial.
Axero stands out as the solution for every organization, yours included, regardless of the size or specific needs. With a suite of features that encompass collaboration, branding, mobility, and engagement, Axero adapts and grows with your team, ensuring seamless communication now and in the future.
Experience Axero’s transformative power for yourself. Request a demo today and unlock the potential of efficient, tailored internal communication. Your journey to enhanced communication begins here.
Internal Communication Software FAQs
What is internal communication software?
Internal communication software refers to digital tools and platforms that organizations use to facilitate communication and information sharing among their employees, teams, and departments. These tools are designed to streamline communication, improve collaboration, and keep employees informed about company news, updates, and activities.
What are five internal communication tools?
Five examples of internal communication tools include:
- Email: Traditional email is still the most universal of all the internal communications tools, allowing employees to send messages, documents, and updates to colleagues.
- Instant Messaging Apps: Apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp for Business enable real-time chat and group discussions among team members.
- Intranet: An intranet is a private network that provides access to company information, documents, and resources. It often includes communication features like forums or news feeds.
- Video Conferencing Tools: Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet enable video calls, virtual meetings, and webinars for remote teams.
- Social Intranet: Tools like Yammer or Workplace by Facebook create a social media-like environment within the organization, encouraging engagement and communication.
What is an example of internal communication?
An example of internal communication might be a company-wide email announcing a new product launch, an all-hands meeting to discuss strategic goals, or a team using a collaboration tool like Slack to coordinate a project.
What are the 8 types of internal communication?
The eight types of internal communication can be categorized as follows:
- Top-down communication: Messages flow from upper management to employees, such as company announcements or policy updates.
- Bottom-up communication: Feedback and insights are shared from employees to management, often through surveys, suggestion boxes, or open forums.
- Horizontal communication: This involves communication between employees or teams at the same hierarchical level. It can include project collaboration or knowledge sharing.
- Diagonal communication: Communication across different departments or hierarchical levels, often seen in cross-functional teams or inter-departmental projects.
- Formal communication: Official messages and information communicated through established channels like company newsletters or meetings.
- Informal communication: Unofficial exchanges and conversations among employees, often occurring through chats, social interactions, or informal gatherings.
- Verbal communication: Spoken or face-to-face communication, including meetings, presentations, and conversations.
- Written communication: Communication through written mediums, such as emails, memos, reports, and documents.
What is an example of communication software?
An example of communication software is Slack, which is a popular team collaboration and messaging platform used by businesses to facilitate internal communication, project collaboration, and real-time messaging among team members.
