Successful Internal Communications in Higher Education

Guide to Successful University Internal Comms: What’s Inside

Internal communications professionals at universities hardly need to be told that their sector has numerous challenges ahead.

From rising costs and reduced funding to increased competition for students and burdensome regulatory requirements, there’s never been a better time to put innovation and creativity at the forefront.

The role of internal communications is more important than ever.

Internal comms professionals help their institutions navigate these challenges by aligning a complex, diverse and dispersed workforce, cultivating a positive culture and fostering a sense of belonging.

They provide information and answers to the university community at a critical time, and strengthen the institution’s identity by consistently articulating its mission, vision and values.

But all too often, internal communicators in the HE sector are battling against outdated technology and fragmented platforms that stopped being fit for purpose a long time ago.

It’s led to widespread reliance on unsupported internal platforms, and many universities now have a sprawl of ungoverned and unconnected sites set up independently by departments and faculties.

And on top of the obvious challenges that come with many of these platforms now facing ‘end of life’, it creates an internal communication nightmare.

Despite the doom and gloom, this unconnected web of outdated platforms presents internal communicators in HE with a huge opportunity to get creative, mix things up, and transform the digital workplace.

And it’s actually pretty good timing, as many universities begin accelerating long-term digital transformation programmes that take a ‘people-first’ approach.

Set against the backdrop of this broader transformation within the sector, the timing has never been better to explore your workplace tech and consider how Microsoft 365 tools can be optimised to support successful internal communication.

Paul Wheeler works in digital transformation at the University of Oxford. He spoke to us about the shifting expectations of both staff and students regarding internal tech within universities, sharing –

“…the speed of information and the ability to collaborate has completely changed, and so have the expectations of the technology we provide our employees and student.”

Many universities are starting to bring together a consistent user experience across their institution. With the right internal comms expertise – and the software to support it – the trailblazers are finding ways to transform internal comms for the better by making better use of data analytics, AI, and new tools that enable the university community to connect, collaborate and share knowledge.

This report has been created to help you get the ball rolling by putting creativity at the forefront and revamping your workplace tech. It shares our eight top tips for successful internal communication, a Q&A on how Microsoft 365 can change the game, real-life experiences from leading UK universities and an article on the university employee experience from our Chief Visionary Officer, Alex Graves.

Over the years, we’ve supported many organisations in optimising Microsoft 365 to improve internal comms and enhance the overall employee experience. We hope you find this report does just that.

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