Internal Communications trends for 2025

The rise of the EX Super Team

In 2025, employee experience (EX) is no longer the responsibility of a single function; it’s the collective effort of a cross-functional powerhouse - the EX Super Team. This unified approach, as outlined in the original EX Super Team blog, highlights how HR, IT, and Internal Communications are coming together to redefine workplaces for speed, adaptability, and connection.

If you're wondering how internal communications can play a pivotal role in this transformation, you're in the right place. Let’s explore the trends reshaping the field in 2025 and how you can collaborate with your EX stakeholders to supercharge performance and engagement.

Trend 1: From employee engagement to Organizational Velocity

Employee engagement has long been the gold standard for internal communication metrics, but 2025 introduces a game-changing shift: Organizational Velocity. Organizational Velocity is a concept that shifts focus from traditional metrics like engagement to emphasize how quickly and effectively an organization can adapt, innovate, and execute in a rapidly changing environment. It reflects the organization's ability to move with speed and precision, reducing friction in workflows and decision-making while enabling adaptability across all levels.

What it means for Internal Communications:

• Streamlined information flow: Focus shifts from simply delivering messages to ensuring they are actionable and contribute to faster decision-making.
• Velocity metrics: Track how quickly and effectively information disseminates across the organization.
• Breaking silos: Collaboration with IT and HR to create frictionless systems that support rapid communication and operational adaptability.

By aligning communication strategies with a velocity mindset, internal communications teams will play a crucial role in reducing bottlenecks and enabling faster, more agile workflows. Furthermore, the Organizational Velocity framework gives internal communicators a new way to articulate the value of their historically misunderstood function, putting the emphasis on business impact.

Trend 2: Closing the AI Gap

Artificial intelligence is no longer optional - it’s integral. However, a divide is forming between organizations effectively embedding AI into their workflows and those lagging behind. Effective communications that bring employees through this new transformation journey will be essential to getting AI strategy right. For internal communicators, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

What it means for Internal Communications:

• Educating the workforce: Launch campaigns to demystify AI, explaining its benefits and everyday applications in clear, relatable language.
• Policy advocacy: Collaborate with IT to communicate AI governance policies effectively, ensuring compliance and encouraging adoption.
• Driving inclusivity: Prevent the emergence of a two-speed workforce by creating resources that empower all employees to embrace AI-driven tools.

By fostering a culture of openness and collaboration around AI, internal communications can help bridge the gap and position their organizations as leading innovators.

Trend 3: Tackling burnout with better communication

Employee wellbeing is under threat, with burnout at record levels. According to Gallup, 66% of the global workforce is struggling or suffering. For internal communications, the focus is shifting from adding wellness resources to reducing digital noise and stress-inducing practices.

What it means for Internal Communications:

• Simplifying communication channels: Audit existing platforms and reduce redundancies to minimize cognitive overload.
• Intentional messaging: Prioritize clarity and relevance in communications to reduce workplace stress caused by information overload.
• Leadership advocacy: Partner with leadership to align workplace culture and communication strategies, fostering an environment where employees feel supported and energized.

The future of work isn’t about pushing employees harder; it’s about creating environments where they can thrive sustainably.

Trend 4: Reimagining connectivity in the modern workplace

Hybrid work has become the norm, but outdated approaches to connectivity are holding many organizations back. Internal communications are evolving to not just enable connection but redefine its role in organizational success.

What it means for Internal Communications:

• Fostering authentic collaboration: Use technology to break down silos and encourage meaningful connections across teams and geographies.
• Humanizing content: Leverage casual, asynchronous communication formats like audio and video to make interactions more personal and engaging.
• Cross-functional connectivity: Work with IT to ensure systems promote seamless collaboration while maintaining cultural and linguistic inclusivity.

In 2025, internal communicators will lead the charge in transforming connectivity from a technical function into a driver of innovation and human ingenuity.

Trend 5: The rise of the EX Super Team

The era of fragmented employee experience strategies is over. The EX Super Team - HR, IT, and Internal Communications working as one - is emerging as the future of workplace transformation.

What it means for Internal Communications:

• Unified metrics: Move beyond department-specific KPIs to shared objectives that reflect the broader goals of employee experience.
• Collaborative innovation: Participate in cross-functional teams to design and implement EX solutions that balance human needs, technical capabilities, and strategic communication.
• Elevated roles: Internal communications professionals are no longer message senders; they are architects of connection, culture, and collaboration.

By embracing this unified approach, internal communicators can drive meaningful change and set the standard for what EX looks like in the modern workplace.

Prepare for 2025: Key actions for internal communicators

1. Adopt velocity metrics: Measure the impact of communication on organizational agility and adaptability.
2. Invest in AI communication strategies: Help your workforce understand and embrace AI tools and policies.
3. Reduce noise: Create intentional communication plans that prioritize clarity and relevance over volume.
4. Champion connectivity: Work with IT and HR to foster deeper, more authentic connections across the organization.
5. Collaborate as a Super Team: Break down departmental silos and align on unified EX goals. Check out the EX Super Team blog to get started today.

2025 is your opportunity to transform how your organization communicates, collaborates, and innovates. By leaning into these trends, internal communications teams can become indispensable drivers of business success.