The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into internal communications presents a dual-edged sword: on one hand, it offers unprecedented efficiencies and capabilities in content creation and employee engagement; on the other, it introduces complex ethical considerations and the need for maintaining human-centric trust and authenticity.

As AI continues to evolve, internal communications professionals find themselves at the forefront of adopting this technology, carefully balancing its potential with the inherent challenges it brings. With 68% of communicators believing AI will have a significant impact on internal communications in the next five years, there’s a clear recognition of AI’s transformative potential.

This post explores how to navigate this landscape effectively, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for enhancement rather than a source of contention.

Can’t Beat the Efficiency

AI’s introduction into internal communications has revolutionized how we approach our work, offering tools that dramatically increase efficiency while fostering creativity. Let’s explore how AI can be a game-changer in getting messages across more effectively.

  • Leveraging AI for Enhanced Productivity: The use of AI in crafting internal communications can significantly reduce the time and effort traditionally required to generate content. With 60% of internal comms pros either experimenting with AI, using it to create communications, or developing their own AI solutions, it’s evident that AI is becoming a cornerstone of modern internal communications strategies. By providing a starting point for communications, AI helps communicators overcome the initial hurdle of a blank page, enabling them to focus on refining and personalizing content. This process not only speeds up content creation but also allows for the incorporation of unique organizational insights and values, ensuring messages resonate more deeply with employees. 
  • Expanding Research Capabilities: AI’s capacity to sift through extensive data sets enables communicators to lean on it for comprehensive research, providing a broad foundation upon which to build their messages. While AI offers a starting point, the importance of personal verification and adding a human touch to the final output cannot be overstated. This blend of AI-driven efficiency and human insight ensures that communications are both informed and authentic. 
  • Innovating with AI Imagery and Comm Bots: AI’s impact extends beyond text, offering solutions for creating imagery when traditional resources are unavailable. This is particularly valuable for abstract concepts or initiatives not centered around people, where AI-generated visuals can add depth and interest to communications. Additionally, the advent of comm bots for gathering employee stories marks a significant advancement. By deploying AI to navigate through departments or projects, internal communicators can capture a wider array of insights and stories, enriching the organization’s narrative fabric. Tools like Cleary AI exemplify how secure, targeted AI applications can transform internal engagement and feedback mechanisms. 

Be Keenly Aware of AI’s Limitations and Barriers

While AI brings a wealth of opportunities to internal communications, it also presents a set of challenges that require careful consideration. Understanding these limitations and ethical concerns is crucial for effective and responsible AI implementation.

  • Understanding AI’s Limitations: Despite its advantages, AI is not without its limitations. Issues such as source traceability and copyright concerns highlight the complexity of responsibly integrating AI into communications practices. The nuanced challenge of handling confidential information within AI platforms further complicates its use, underscoring the need for a clear understanding of AI’s boundaries. 
  • Navigating Ethical and Security Concerns: The distinction between open-access AI tools and more secure integrated systems like Cleary AI is critical. Secure systems offer a safer environment for experimenting with AI, allowing for more direct and confident use. However, even with advanced tools, the importance of maintaining an ethical and cautious approach remains paramount. Internal communicators must remain vigilant, ensuring their use of AI aligns with organizational values and ethical standards. 

Maintain Trust

In the world of internal communications, trust between the organization and its employees is key. Integrating AI into this equation brings about new dynamics that need to be managed with care and transparency.

  • Building and Sustaining Trust Through AI: Trust is the linchpin of effective internal communication, however, 61% of communicators indicate that people managers fall below expectations in their communication skills, emphasizing the importance of equipping managers with the right tools and resources. The integration of AI into this domain requires a careful balance to maintain credibility, reliability, and intimacy with the audience. Transparent communication about the use of AI can mitigate concerns about authenticity and foster a culture of trust. Furthermore, AI can enhance the accuracy and relevance of communications, reducing errors and ensuring messages are tailored to their audience. 
  • Ethical Considerations and Transparency: The potential of AI to mimic executives through generated texts, tones, styles, or even videos introduces complex ethical considerations. Communicators must navigate these waters with care, ensuring that AI-enhanced messages maintain the authenticity and human touch that employees value. This involves a transparent approach to AI use, where the augmentation by AI is clear, and the content’s integrity is preserved. Leaning on established ethical guidelines and policies can guide these decisions, ensuring that AI serves to support and not supplant the human elements of internal communication. 

Lead on AI Principles within Your Org

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our communications strategies, internal communicators have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in defining how this technology is used within their organizations. Establishing clear principles for AI use can guide its ethical and effective integration.

 

  • Shaping AI Use with Strong Ethical Foundations: The role of internal communicators extends beyond content creation to include shaping the ethical use of AI within their organizations. By drawing on their understanding of brand values, authenticity, and responsible communication, they can guide the development of AI policies and principles. This proactive approach ensures that AI is integrated in ways that reflect the organization’s ethical standards and supports its overall mission. 
  • Engaging in Organizational Dialogue and Policy Development: The journey toward integrating AI into internal communications is an opportunity for dialogue and policy development. Early engagement in discussions about AI’s impact, coupled with a clear stance on ethical use, sets the stage for responsible adoption. Despite the enthusiasm for AI, only 29% of organizations have provided guidance on when, where, and how to use AI, pointing to a gap in governance and oversight. By facilitating conversations about AI across departments and ensuring a shared understanding of its benefits and limitations, communicators can lead their organizations through the AI adoption curve with confidence. 

Advice for Newcomers to AI in Communications

For those new to the intersection of AI and internal communications, starting on the right foot is crucial. Here are some key pieces of advice to guide your journey.

  • Grasp the Fundamentals: Begin by understanding how AI algorithms function. This foundational knowledge will empower you to integrate AI thoughtfully into your communication strategies, ensuring that you’re making informed decisions about its use. 
  • Begin with Manageable Projects: Familiarize yourself with AI’s capabilities and limitations through small, controlled projects. This approach allows for learning and adjustment in a low-risk environment, providing the space to explore AI’s potential without overwhelming consequences. 
  • Seize Upskilling Opportunities: AI offers a significant chance for professional development. Embrace this technology as a means to enhance your skills and contribute more value to your organization. The journey of integrating AI into internal communications is one of continuous learning and adaptation. 

Integrating AI into internal communications is a journey fraught with challenges but rich with opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and enhanced engagement. By approaching AI with a balanced perspective that prioritizes ethical use, transparency, and trust, communicators can harness its potential to revolutionize internal communications while maintaining the human touch that lies at the heart of the profession.