Analyzing data, big or small, with the right methods can help to identify patterns and find opportunities. At its core, communication is rooted in quantifiable results. Let’s talk about how to use data to improve your communication efforts.
Data’s relevance continues to grow as time passes and businesses across all industries amass large volumes of data points. When these points grow rapidly, diversely, and become unstructured in such a way that traditional analysis methods and commonly used software can no longer handle them, this is known as Big Data.
This data is generated through a number of sources and is typically summed up with the Three V’s of Big Data: volume, velocity, and variety. While this is a simple, shorthand means of understanding Big Data, one can never quite know its full scope. Therefore, it will only prove useful when harnessed correctly with advanced tools.
You don’t need data centers, supercomputers, and analysts to pour over the numbers to make a difference, however. By simply looking at basic data available at hand, you will be able to make informed decisions to escalate your communication efforts.
How can you improve communication in the workplace through data? Here’s some advice…
Stay connected
Thanks to the internet of things, we are more interconnected than ever before. All employees, regardless of position, are involved and engaged in the company. That’s an incredible feat!
Now that most employees are working remotely, internal communication has never been more important, and pertinent.
Data can determine the best ways of keeping employees in the loop while also staying accountable. It can inform when to sends alerts, notices, and messages at the optimal time and through the right channels. It also fosters better internal communications by allowing for mutual communication.
Not sure where to start? Read more on the communication metrics that matter.
Increased results
Merely showing the numbers is not enough to improve internal communications, however. President and CEO of Four Winds Interactive, David Levin, emphasizes the importance of simplifying and translating numbers in a way that everyone in the company will understand. The first step is to set clear goals and establishing firm targets.
In order for overall increased results in the company, Founder of The Confidence Factor Carol Sankar advises investing in the tools to make this possible. Not everyone can understand raw data, and that’s okay. For complex models, look at data analytics dashboards that illustrate KPIs and real-time visualizations.
But don’t forget the importance of goals and calls to action within communication pieces. How many people checked a “read and confirm” box? Or how many people completed a survey? The more you know and understand how, when, and why people complete a communication goal, the more you can optimize your efforts to see results.
Better engagement
Employees are valuable assets to the company, and according to Forbes, data is the most powerful means of understanding them. Insights generated from surveys among staff and focus groups, get employees more involved, and helps include them in the conversation.
It also helps monitor the behavior of employees, which lets managers get a grasp on what they need to succeed. The rule is simple: engaged employees provide the most valuable data. In effect, you will be able to glean even more significant insights about our performance as a whole organization.
Employee engagement is a pillar in a company’s culture and also impacts performance directly. Learn more how to encourage employee engagement while working remotely.
External communications and customer relationships
When we have strong internal communications in place, we can then improve on our communication strategies with our respective markets. SEO agency Ayima highlights that data is becoming very important in how companies reach out to their customers.
When proper internal communications have been established and measured, you will have a better grasp of leveraging data to your advantage when it comes to dealing with your own clients. You will better understand your brand, demographic, and customers’ and employees’ needs. Talk about better all-round communication!
By following similar patterns in internal communications, you’re on the path to improve strategies with stakeholders. It’s all about targeting the right audiences through the right channels at the right time.
Data, regardless of its distinctions, is a powerful resource that can take your company to the next level. At a time when it’s more important than ever to stick together while also staying ahead, using data purposefully is your key to achieving both of these pursuits successfully.
Looking to prove communication ROI? Learn more about measuring internal communication.
