There’s no mistaking it. Pretty much everyone wants to go digital, but what does the word digital actually mean?

For many, it’s simply about technology. For others, it’s a new and exciting way of engaging with customers. However, in our world of internal communications, it’s seen as another way of reaching out to those within the organisation, a way of creating efficiencies in our messaging, empowering people and simplifying processes.

We had a brilliant lunch and learn session at the beginning of September with Tony Stewart, a former colleague at VMA GROUP, who’s now the head of digital at Scarlett Abbott. Scarlett Abbott is a digital agency which supports its clients with digital solutions for internal communications and employee engagement.

Tony spoke passionately about the role that digital plays for internal communicators. How, if done with clear objectives, internal communications can power conversations that connect, engage and motivate people to deliver great business results.

So what are the key questions we should be asking ourselves to ensure we’re creating value when looking at digital solutions for internal communication?

1. VISION - Ask yourself and the team what the vision is. What are you looking to achieve? What are the key objectives, what’s important, what does success look like and why are we doing this now? The direction needs to be made clear to everyone to be able to move forward successfully.

2. CAPABILITY - How capable is your business when it comes to coping with digital advances? Capability is often overlooked and this can severly hinder the progess of a project if not considered at depth during the planning phase.

3. GOVERNANCE – What are the rules of engagement? What’s appropriate and what’s considered not to be? Are legal and compliance connected to your project? If not, perhaps they should be.

4. CHANNELS – Understanding your audience. What’s going to work best for your people? It sounds blindingly obvious but many systems/processes/ideas aren’t considered with audience in mind and it simply doesn’t work. Take time to understand what your people require to be able to engage effortlessly with the business and it’s messaging. Run foc