Employee Communication Software Of 2024

Modern workplaces operate in a dynamic landscape which means effective communication is the cornerstone of success. Employee communication software empowers organizations to foster collaboration, streamline workflows and enhance transparency. From instant messaging to centralized document sharing, these platforms have become indispensable tools for creating connected and efficient work environments.

Table of contents

What is employee communication software?

Different types of internal communication platforms

How to choose an employee communication platform for your team

The 20 best internal communication tools to try in 2024

What is employee communication software?

Internal communication software is a digital solution designed to facilitate seamless communication within an organization. It serves as a centralized platform, enabling employees to connect, exchange messages, share documents, and collaborate on projects - often in real-time.

Essentially, internal communication software addresses the challenges associated with geographically dispersed teams, remote work, and diverse communication preferences by providing a unified digital space. It often integrates features like instant messaging, file sharing, video conferencing, and project management tools, creating a comprehensive environment for streamlined interactions.

Key benefits of internal communication software include:

• Improved team connectivity
• Enhanced transparency
• The ability to organize and prioritize information
• Increased productivity
• Minimized miscommunication
• Decrease in email overload
• Ensuring important updates are easily accessible to all relevant team members.

In addition to promoting efficient communication, many employee communication software platforms offer analytics and reporting features, allowing organizations to assess the effectiveness of their communication strategies and identify areas for improvement. 

Different types of internal communication platforms

There are different types of internal communication platforms catering to different aspects of employee communication and reflecting the diverse needs of modern workplaces with varied structures and communication preferences.

1. Intranet Platforms

These types of employee communication software are centralized hubs for internal communication, document sharing, and collaborative spaces.

Features include employee directories, news feeds, and discussion forums.

2. Collaboration and chat tools

Real-time messaging platforms for instant communication.

Support group chats, direct messaging, and file sharing.

3. Project management software

Platforms with task management and project collaboration features.

Support for assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and tracking progress.

4. Video conferencing platforms

Facilitate virtual meetings, webinars, and remote collaboration.

Features include video calls, screen sharing, and chat during meetings.

5. Employee intranet and portals

Comprehensive platforms offering a range of features for internal communication.

Typically include news, events, employee directories, and resource libraries.

6. Mobile workforce platforms

Tailored for organizations with remote or deskless workers.

Provide mobile-friendly communication tools and resources.

7. Employee engagement platforms

Focus on enhancing employee experience and engagement.

Include features like surveys, employee recognition, and feedback mechanisms.

8. Social intranet platforms

Integrate social networking features into internal communication.

Facilitate discussion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in a social context.

9. Document collaboration tools

Platforms specifically designed for collaborative document creation and editing.

Support version control, commenting, and real-time collaboration.

10. Notification and alert systems

Employee communication software platforms for sending important updates, announcements, and alerts.

Ensure timely communication of critical information.

How to choose an employee communication platform for your team

Choosing the right internal communication software platform is crucial for optimizing team collaboration and enhancing overall organizational efficiency. 

Start by assessing your organization's specific needs and objectives. Consider the size of your team, the nature of your projects, and whether you need features like video conferencing, document sharing, or task management.

Evaluate the user interface and experience to ensure that the employee communication software platform is intuitive and aligns with your team's preferences. A user-friendly interface encourages adoption and minimizes the learning curve. Compatibility with existing tools and systems is essential for seamless integration into your workflow.

Security features should be a top priority, especially for protecting sensitive company information. Look for internal communication platforms that offer robust data encryption, access controls, and compliance with relevant industry standards.

Scalability is another crucial factor of employee communication platforms. Look for a platform that can grow with your organization, accommodating an increasing number of users and evolving communication needs. Additionally, when choosing an internal communication system, consider the vendor's support and training offerings to ensure a smooth implementation process and ongoing assistance. Read user reviews and testimonials to gain insights into real-world experiences with the platform. 

Finally, opt for an employee communication software solution that provides regular updates and has a responsive customer support system. By carefully considering these factors, you can select an internal communication software platform that aligns with your organizational goals.

The 20 best internal communication tools to try in 2024

If you’re looking for ways to enhance and empower your internal communications in 2024, consider adopting employee communication software. Here’s a list of some of the best tools for internal communications on offer. 

1. Slack

Slack is a robust team collaboration platform that is designed for facilitating seamless communication and productivity benefits.  

Its features include real-time messaging, file sharing, collaboration tools and integrations with various other third-party applications. Its intuitive interface encourages real-time conversations, reducing reliance on email and enhancing team connectivity. Channels are used to organize discussions and streamline workflows. 

Slack’s searchable history and customization options makes it ideal for remote and dispersed teams. Its versatility and scalability also makes it an ideal choice for organizations of all sizes - from small startups through to large enterprises.

2. Asana

Asana is a powerful project management tool, designed to streamline workflows and boost team productivity. It has a user-friendly interface that facilitates task organization, project tracking and seamless collaboration.

Features of this employee communication software include task assignments, due dates and project timelines. It has customizable views and integration with other apps, driving efficient task management and ensuring deadlines are met.

Asana is ideal for organizations seeking a comprehensive project management solution that fosters collaboration and ensures project success.

3. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is more than just an office communication system - it facilitates a centralized hub for communication and is a collaboration platform that integrates chat, video conferencing and sharing within the Microsoft 365 suite. 

Features include threaded conversations, real-time document collaboration and integrations with Microsoft apps. It helps to ensure efficient communication and project coordination, with secure channels, video meetings and customizable settings.

Ideal for diverse organizations, from small businesses to large enterprises Microsoft Teams is one of the best internal communication tools and is suited for remote and hybrid work environments.

4. Trello

Trello simplifies task management, offering a visual and intuitive platform that suits organizations of all sizes and excels in both simplicity and flexibility. Ideal for creative teams, project managers and remote workers, Trello uses boards, lists and cards to organize tasks.

It offers a flexible structure that enables users to track progress of tasks and projects, assign tasks to other team members and attach files easily. It also has customizable workflows and integrations, and a user-friendly interface. 

Whether managing projects, tracking goals or organizing ideas, Trello helps employees stay organized and focused and adapts to various work styles.

5. DeskAlerts

DeskAlerts is an internal communication software system that is designed to enhance workplace communication and employee engagement by operating in a way that is deliberately obtrusive so as to ensure important communications are seen by employees.

Tailored for diverse organizations, DeskAlerts delivers important messages instantly through pop-up alerts, desktop tickers, mobile app notifications, corporate screensavers and digital signage displays. The platform ensures that critical information reaches employees promptly, which develops a responsive and well-informed workforce.

Features include customizable message formats, survey capabilities and analytics for tracking communication effectiveness. It is beneficial for organizations in emergency scenarios as well as corporate announcements, and any situations where real-time communication and notification is essential.

6. Yammer

Yammer is a Microsoft 365 collaboration tool that facilitates social networking within organizations and encourages open communication and knowledge sharing.

Yammer’s key features include group discussion, file sharing and announcements. Its ideal for larger organizations as it helps to break down information silos and enhance employee engagement.

With a familiar social media-like interface, Yammer is one of the best internal communications tools that helps teams to collaborate, share insights and celebrate achievements together. Its integration with Microsoft apps helps to ensure seamless workflows.

7. Workplace by Facebook 

Workplace by Facebook is a unique collaboration platform for organizations that combines familiar social features with professional tools. Suited for companies of all sizes, it promotes open communication and community building.

Features include a news feed, groups and live video streaming and the ability to integrate with other popular business tools. It has an intuitive interface similar to Facebook’s which encourages easy adoption as most users are already familiar with that interface.

Workplace is ideal for organizations looking to embed a modern and social approach to internal communications by creating a vibrant digital space for collaboration and connection.

8. Chatter by Salesforce

Chatter by Salesforce is an employee communication software platform that integrates with the customer management software, Salesforce CRM.

Chatter combines social features with business-specific functionalities like file sharing and task tracking, and promotes real-time collaboration and information sharing among teams. With features like groups and pills, it can be adapted to diverse organizational needs.

Suited for sales-focused enterprises, Chatter is particularly beneficial for companies looking to unite sales, marketing and service teams under a unified communication hub.

9. Monday.com

Monday.com is a versatile work operating system that simplifies task management and collaboration for work teams. It offers a customizable platform with features like visual boards, timeline tracking and project automation in a centralized hub. 

Ideal for project-based work, Monday.com is an internal communication system that helps to enhance transparency and enables teams to coordinate tasks effortlessly. 

With integrations available and a user-friendly interface, Monday.com is employee communications software that adapts to various industries including marketing, developing and operations.

10. Jostle

Jostle is a comprehensive employee engagement and internal communications software platform designed to streamline collaboration and organizational culture.

Its features include an intuitive intranet, employee directories and interactive communication tools that help employees to work together effectively.  This software for internal communication fosters a sense of community through features like employee recognition, newsfeeds and customizable dashboards.

Jostle is one of the best internal communication tools that is well-suited for medium to large sized organizations and caters to diverse industries.

11. Samepage

Samepage is a collaborative platform designed to streamline communication and productivity for employees. Its features include real-time document collaboration, task management, file sharing and integrated video conferencing.

The employee communication software platform ensures seamless coordination with chat functionalities and customizable project views. It facilitates team collaboration through shared calendars, enabling synchronized project planning and task tracking.

Samepage has an intuitive interface that enhances the user experience so teams can work together in a centralized digital space. 

12. Miro

Miro is a collaborative online whiteboard platform tailored for employees so they can work together with visual imagery and ideation.  Its features include real-time board sharing, infinite canvas for brainstorming, sticky notes and a wide range of pre-defined templates.

Miro has integrated video conferencing to facilitate remote collaboration, making it ideal for virtual teams. It also supports diagramming, mind mapping and project planning that allows teams to visualize concepts and workflows.

Miro’s robust toolset enables creative problem solving and agile project management, and is an invaluable tool for organizations seeking an interactive and visual approach to teamwork.

13. Beekeeper

Beekeeper is an employee communication and collaboration platform designed to connect and engage teams, especially those in non-desk industries.  

Its features include real-time messaging, team surveys and an employee directory, task management and document sharing. It supports multilingual communications, ideal for diverse workforces, and has analytics tools to provide insights  into employee engagement.

Beekeeper offers a mobile-friendly experience catering to on-the-go workers in industries like transport, retail, hospitality and manufacturing and is a valuable tool for organizations looking to prioritize efficient communication in non-traditional work settings.

14. Staffbase

Staffbase is an employee communications solution designed to connect dispersed workforces by providing a centralized hub for essential company resources and updates.

Staffbase features a mobile-friendly interface that allows employees to access company news, documents and updates on the go. This employee communication software facilitates two-way communication through chat functionalities and surveys and supports content sharing, enabling organizations to create multimedia-rich internal communications. 

With features like push notifications and targeted messaging, Staffbase ensures important information reaches employees promptly and caters to industries with deskless or remote workers.

15. Jive

Jive is an enterprise collaboration and employee communications platform designed to empower employees through social networking and knowledge sharing. Its features include discussion forums, document collaboration and interactive intranet capabilities.

Jive facilitates real-time communication so employees can connect across departments and geographic locations. It supports content creation, fostering a culture of innovation and collective problem-solving.

Suited for diverse industries, Jive enhances internal communication by breaking down silos.

16. Claromentis

Claromentis is an intranet and digital workplace platform  that supports project management and fosters teamwork through task tracking and timelines.

Its features include customizable dashboards, document management and social collaboration tools. Claromentis integrates with third-party applications to ensure seamless workflow continuity. It has employee directory and profile features to promote connectivity and knowledge sharing across an organization.

Claromentis is employee communications software that facilitates communication through announcements, forums and instant messaging, cultivating a dynamic and interactive digital workplace.

17. Simpplr

Simpplr is an employee intranet platform designed to streamline internal communication and collaboration.  Its features include a user-friendly interface, personalized news feeds and social networking tools.

Simpplr simplifies document management and knowledge sharing, providing employees with easy access to vital information. It also supports employee recognition through shout-outs and integrates with other business applications.

With mobile accessibility, Simpplr is one of the best internal communication tools that caters to the modern on-the-go workforce and enhances engagement through polls, surveys and event calendars.

18. Connecteam

Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management and communication platform tailored for remote and deskless teams. It features a robust employee app, time tracking and task management tools for streamlined workforce management.

Connecteam enables real-time communication through group chat, announcements and surveys as well as customizable forms and checklists for effective workflow processes.

Suited for mobile and frontline workers, Connecteam offers a centralized hub for employee collaboration and training.

19. Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat is an open-source communication platform for team collaboration. This tool for internal communications includes real-time messaging, audio and visual conferencing and file sharing.

Rocket.Chat supports integrations with various third-party apps to enhance workflows. It has a robust notification system and channels to ensure organized and focussed discussions among team members.

This internal communications platform is highly customizable so businesses can tailor it to their specific needs. Its flexibility and self-hosting options make it a versatile solution.

20. Cisco Webex Teams

Cisco Webex Teams is a comprehensive collaboration platform that features secure messaging, video conferencing and file sharing, creating an integrated space for real-time collaboration.

Webex Teams supports virtual meetings with screen sharing and whiteboarding tools, enhancing remote collaboration. The platform integrates with other Cisco solutions to provide a unified comunication experiences.

WIth end-to-end encryption, it ensures secure information exchange, making it suitable for businesses with strict privacy requirements.

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Investing in an employee communication platform is pivotal for building a thriving, interconnected workplace. Employee communication platforms empower businesses to break down communication barriers, enhance collaboration and nurture a culture of transparency. To find out more about how a workforce communications platform can transform your company, get in touch with our team of experts today for a free demo of DeskAlerts, one of the best internal communication tools on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is employee communication software?

Employee communication software refers to digital tools designed to streamline and enhance internal communication within organizations. These platforms provide a centralized space for employees to collaborate, share information, and stay connected. Typically, they offer features such as real-time messaging, document collaboration, and announcement channels. 

Employee communication software aims to improve teamwork, transparency, and engagement by facilitating efficient information exchange. It addresses the evolving needs of modern workplaces, ensuring effective communication in diverse environments, including remote or dispersed teams. 

Ultimately, these employee communication solutions contribute to a more connected and informed workforce, fostering a positive organizational culture.

What do companies use to communicate with employees?

Companies use a variety of tools to communicate with employees, adapting to the dynamic demands of the modern workplace. 

Commonly employed methods include email for official announcements and updates. Collaboration and employee communication software platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack facilitate real-time messaging and team interaction. Intranet systems such as SharePoint offer centralized hubs for information sharing. Video conferencing tools like Zoom enable face-to-face virtual meetings. Many organizations utilize social media internally or dedicated employee apps for instant communication. 

These diverse communication channels ensure flexibility, catering to different preferences and contributing to a well-informed, engaged workforce in today's multifaceted business environments.

What is workplace communication tool?

A workplace communication tool is a digital platform or application designed to facilitate efficient and effective communication within an organization. These workplace communications platforms streamline information sharing, collaboration, and coordination among employees, fostering a connected workplace. Common features of the best internal communication tools include messaging, document sharing, and project management capabilities. 

What is a communication software tool?

A communication software tool facilitates effective and efficient information exchange within an organization. Its functionalities vary but typically include:

• Messaging: Allows real-time, instant communication among individuals or groups.
• Video conferencing: Enables face-to-face virtual meetings, fostering a sense of connection.
• Document sharing: Provides a platform for collaborative editing and sharing of files.
• Announcements: Facilitates the broadcast of important updates and announcements to all or specific groups.
• Project management: Supports coordination by offering features like task assignments, deadlines, and progress tracking.
• Integration: Connects with other tools and platforms to streamline workflows.