AI for Internal Communications: Harnessing the Potential for Business Success
The AI revolution is changing everything, including internal comms. Here's how communicators can use AI to strengthen and secure their important role while fulfilling their company’s strategic goals.
As an internal communications professional, it’s no doubt you’ve been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence (or AI) in internal comms. Depending on who you ask, it’s either going to make your job a whole lot easier — or it’s going to steal it from you. As the eyes and ears of your organization, it’s also likely you’ve noticed that the topic of AI has been on the minds of your people, who surely have similar concerns.
So, should AI be causing you relief or worry? The honest answer is probably a little bit of both. As Staffbase CSO and co-founder Frank Wolf recently remarked at VOICES 2023, “You’re not likely to lose your job to AI, at least not yet. But you very well may lose your job to someone who knows how to use it.”
It’s up to you to make sure that doesn’t happen.
You’re not likely to lose your job to AI, at least not yet. But you very well may lose your job to someone who knows how to use it.”
Frank Wolf, CSO and co-founder, Staffbase
AI: Everything everywhere all at once
Although it may seem like it, AI didn’t appear from out of nowhere. It has been playing a huge, albeit discreet, part in our digital lives for years. Every time you pick up your phone or log into your laptop, AI is there, working (or some would say lurking) in the background. It’s present in your device’s face ID, it’s there in Google search, it powers digital assistants like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa, not to mention your online banking, your car’s route mapping and traffic updates, and even your leisure time, with personalized film and TV recommendations from Netflix and Amazon.
AI is virtually everywhere in our digital world, but its cultural tipping point came in November of 2022 with the introduction of ChatGPT, the natural language processing tool, which reached 100 million monthly active users just two months after its launch. That feat made it the fastest-growing consumer application in history, according to a UBS study. According to data from Sensor Tower, it took TikTok about nine months after its global launch to reach 100 million users. For Instagram, it was two-and-a-half years.
A picture of Pope Francis in a puffer coat went viral on social media, despite being completely fake. It was created by the generative artificial intelligence program Midjourney. Here he is at the Staffbase HQ.
Generative AI is without a doubt here to stay, and by design, it’s only growing more powerful. So how can we as internal communicators make sure to use it to our advantage — and to the benefit of our organizations and their employees?
Let’s take a look.
8 Ways AI can help internal communications professionals
AI chatbots like ChatGPT are poised to revolutionize internal communications.
AI has the potential to be a real game-changer for internal comms pros. It can help in several ways to tackle some of the greatest internal communications challenges, including low employee engagement and information overload.
Data analysis
AI can analyze large volumes of data, such as employee feedback, surveys, and social media interactions, to identify patterns and insights. This information can help internal communications professionals understand employee sentiment, preferences, and concerns, enabling them to tailor their communications accordingly.
Personalized communications
AI algorithms can segment employees based on various criteria, such as job role, location, or interests. Segmentation allows internal communications professionals to deliver personalized, targeted messages. AI can also automate the process of creating and sending personalized emails, newsletters, or notifications, ensuring relevant content reaches the right individuals.
Chatbots and virtual assistants
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide instant support to employees. They can answer common questions, provide information, and guide them through processes throughout the employee journey. This reduces the workload on internal communications teams and allows employees to access information quickly and conveniently.
Natural language processing
As mentioned above, AI can assist in analyzing and understanding employee feedback and comments. Natural language processing (NLP) algorithms can evaluate the sentiment and tone of messages. Such insights enable internal communications professionals to gauge overall employee sentiment and identify potential areas of concern.
Content creation and curation
Content creation seems like perhaps the greatest benefit of AI in the daily lives of IC pros. AI algorithms can assist in generating content, such as writing internal blog posts, creating social media updates, or drafting email templates. It’s also great at writing headlines or simply triggering ideas. The dilemma of the blank page is thankfully no longer a thing. AI can also help curate relevant content from various sources and suggest articles, videos, or resources to employees based on their interests and roles.
See how AI tools can power your internal comms. Book a Staffbase intranet demo today.
