85% of Problems in Companies Arise from Poor Internal Communication: How to Improve It?
Internal communication is the invisible engine that connects all members of an organization. However, recent studies reveal a concerning reality: only 15% of companies have an effective internal communication strategy, meaning the vast majority face serious obstacles that impact productivity, team morale, and alignment with business objectives.
At Bravos Leadership, we know that effective leadership starts with clear, open, and aligned communication. In this article, we explain why internal communication is essential and how to improve it to strengthen organizational culture and boost your company’s results.
What is internal communication?
Internal communication is the process through which leaders and teams share relevant information, align goals, solve problems, and foster collaboration within the organization. It’s not just about sending messages; it’s about creating spaces for dialogue, listening, and feedback, where all members feel informed and part of a common purpose.
A recent report from the HR Research Institute revealed that:
🔹 Only 15% of companies have a mature internal communication level.
🔹 85% struggle with how they share key messages and with their leaders’ communication skills.
🔹 More than 35% of companies don’t even measure the impact of their communication strategies.
The consequence? Disconnected, uninformed, and less productive employees.
The Main Causes of Poor Internal Communication
🔻 Inadequate Use of Communication Channels
Email remains the most used channel (86%), but only 52% of employees consider it effective. The same applies to group meetings and corporate chats. The issue isn’t just the channel itself — it’s how it’s used.
🔻 Lack of Training in Communication Skills
Only 35% of leaders receive specific training in effective communication, meaning many managers don’t know how to clearly convey ideas or foster active listening.
🔻 Absence of a Clear Strategy
Many companies improvise their internal communication without clear objectives, indicators, or metrics to assess its impact.
🔻 Organizational Noise
Contradictory messages, incomplete information, or poorly distributed content create confusion and frustration among employees.
5 Strategies to Improve Internal Communication and Boost Productivity
1. Train Leaders to Be Communicators
A great leader doesn’t just manage; they communicate clearly, actively listen, and foster ongoing feedback.
2. Develop a Clear Internal Communication Strategy
Effective communication doesn’t happen by accident. Design a strategy with clear objectives, key messages, a defined frequency, and the right channels for each type of information. Sharing an operational update isn’t the same as communicating your company’s strategic vision.
3. Diversify Communication Channels
📧 Email
💬 Internal chats
🎥 Videos
📣 In-person or virtual meetings
📊 Intranets
👥 Informal gatherings
4. Measure and Adjust Constantly
If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it. Establish internal communication metrics such as:
📊 How many employees receive and understand key messages?
📊 Which channels are the most effective?
📊 How well are teams aligned with organizational goals?
Continuous feedback will help you fine-tune and improve your strategy.
5. Foster Participation and Dialogue
Communication is a two-way street. Create spaces where employees can express ideas, questions, and suggestions. A team that feels heard is a more engaged and committed team.
It’s no coincidence that companies with the strongest cultures and most productive teams have solid internal communication strategies and communicative leaders. Improving how your company communicates, listens, and aligns teams will not only increase productivity — it will also strengthen engagement and motivation across the organization.
At Bravos Leadership, we help you develop communicative leaders and internal communication strategies that drive your organization’s growth.
Ready to strengthen communication and leadership in your company?
Learn more about our mentorship programs and training opportunities.