There will be attempts to combine various applications into one powerful tool. Microsoft announced that it wants to weave social utility into all of its applications where it makes sense. The trend of integrating different applications started in 2014 and is surely going to last. On the other hand, printed materials are not doomed. Even the younger generation prefers reading in print when the text is longer. Comprehension and retention of the message is higher when it is presented in printed form.
Flexibility will increase
In 2014 it became clear that flexible working arrangements and bring your own device policies can bring about significant increases of productivity. These two approaches will be under consideration and implemented in even more companies in 2015. That is the primary reason why we can expect increasing investment in mobile security in the coming years, as already mentioned in the first part of our series. Mobile first is the approach that is taking over. Intranets, as well as all internal communication, will have to be adjusted.
In 2015 we should see for the first time how every employee will become truly involved in internal communication. Many studies have shown that collaborative tools bring more value than using email alone. Social software is becoming very widespread among frontline employees. Employee brand ambassadors can have enormous impact on the reach of brand posts. When they actively share it with their own social circles, reach goes up.
Less intranet, more collaboration tools
Some companies have found out that when content is distributed through collaborative channels like Yammer it is much more often read by employees. Magazines and intranet home pages are not as effective as these collaborative channels.
Internal communication should remain independent
There will have to be a stronger case made for the importance of communication with employees. Many top managers are trying to move it into the PR or HR departments, but it is not always a good idea.
-jk-