Communication essentials for growing businesses

Written by Caroline Waddams, owner of Caroline Waddams Communications.

In today’s business environment — shaped by the likes of hybrid working, rapid growth, AI, rising cybersecurity risks, and legislative updates such as the upcoming Employers’ Rights Bill — the way you communicate with your staff has never been more important.

Yet it’s often the first thing to become challenging. As a business owner or senior leader of your organisation, you may notice that updates get missed, employees feel out of touch, and momentum slows when it’s most needed.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep communication simple and effective as your business grows, you’re not alone.

Here are four practical ways to improve internal communication in your business — helping you build stronger teams, reduce confusion, and grow with confidence.

1 Set a simple weekly rhythm for team communication

A short, regular touchpoint helps everyone feel connected and focused. Try a quick Monday huddle to set priorities, or a short Friday email or newsletter to wrap up the week and celebrate wins. These check-ins keep people aligned and build a sense of community.

2 Choose the right way to share business updates

Pick the right tool for the job.

• For awareness (e.g. a new policy), use email, a short newsletter, or an intranet post.

• If you need people to act or change how they work, use something interactive, like a team briefing or face-to-face chat, where questions can be asked.

3 Keep your communication tools simple and clear

Be clear about what each tool is for. Too many options create confusion, so keep it simple.

Everyday tools

• WhatsApp → quick, urgent updates (e.g. last-minute changes).

• Teams → project discussions and file sharing, especially with remote staff.

• Email → formal updates or information people may need to refer to.

• Shared folder → one reliable place for documents and templates.

Regular check-ins

• Weekly newsletter or Friday wrap-up → share progress, wins, and keep people connected.

• Team huddle or all-staff call → align everyone in real time and create space for questions.

4 Make team communication a conversation, not a broadcast

Don’t just send out updates — invite questions and feedback. This builds trust, helps you spot issues early, and gets people on board.

Team briefings are a simple way to do this. They give staff space to share views, ask questions, and raise issues you’d never catch in an email. Email works well for straightforward announcements, but for engagement, make sure you also have at least one way for information to flow both ways.

Where to start: Small steps, big impact

One business I worked with was going through a tough trading period. The leadership team knew they were making progress, but staff often felt left in the dark.

We introduced a short weekly newsletter that pulled everything into one place — sales wins, project updates, and team shout-outs.

It quickly became a highlight of the week, keeping people informed, showing progress, and helping staff feel part of the journey again.

If you’d like to try something similar, start small:

• Ask your team what’s missing and how they’d like to get updates.

• Pick one habit — a Monday huddle, a Friday wrap-up email, or a shared message board.

• Use my free Internal Communication Health Check to spot what’s working, what’s missing, and where to focus first.

For more inspiration

• Joanna Parsons — practical tips for streamlining communication tools.

• Rachel Miller — an excellent podcast on planning your internal communication channels.

Final thought: Use internal communication as your superpower

Clear, consistent communication doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small steps — like setting a rhythm, choosing the right tools, and making space for real conversations — can have a big impact.

About the author

Caroline Waddams is an independent internal communication specialist and owner of Caroline Waddams Communications.

With more than 18 years’ experience, she has worked with organisations across sectors — from Premier Foods and HS2 to Network Rail and Vodafone Business — helping them connect with their people and perform at their best.