Let's face it: AI isn't just for sci-fi enthusiasts anymore. Overnight, the word ‘ChatGPT’ has become a permanent part of our daily lexicon, with profound implications for communicators.

Although AI brings an exciting new era into the world of internal communications, it also brings some fear and uncertainty. Most IC professionals are worried about what it means for the profession and their roles within the organisation.

Here are 4 key considerations as your IC team embarks on the AI journey:

1) AI won’t replace you, but someone using AI might.

Soon the world is going to be divided into two camps: people that use AI and those that don’t. The former are going to be more employable and ahead of their peers in terms of productivity and output. Just like being well-versed in using online search and the internet became ubiquitous 30 years ago, so will learning how to incorporate AI into our daily activities and tasks. So, embrace AI and utilise it to streamline your workload. AI can help analyse data, optimise content, and automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic initiatives.

2) Spend less time creating and more time being a strategic advisor.

With AI handling the heavy lifting, you can focus on providing strategic advice to leadership and developing creative communication strategies that resonate with your audience. AI can whip up content faster than you can say "virtual whiteboard session." It can generate internal communication content, such as newsletters, reports, and summaries that can be a great starting point, saving hours spent on idea generation and research. The AI-generated content will still need your expertise in editing, layout and overall tone of voice.  AI reduces the time and effort spent on content creation, freeing up time for you and your teams to focus on working on strategic objectives.  

3) AI media will blur the lines of reality. IC must create trusted channels.

AI generated videos (aka, “deep fakes”) are getting eerily convincing. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, it's essential to establish trusted channels that employees can rely on for accurate and authentic information. If your function is leveraging AI for their communication or media, it’s essential to be transparent with employees on the extent of the usage. Its equally important to maintain your tone of voice and authenticity in order to remain the trusted source of organisational news.

4) Become an AI champion and teach leaders and employees how to use it effectively.

As an internal communicator, you have the unique opportunity to educate your organisation on AI's potential and help them leverage it to enhance communication and collaboration. Get ahead of the AI wave to establish your credibility as a function. Putting in place an AI usage policy for the organisation will ensure that is clear guidance on how to (and not to) leverage these new tools.

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Beyond Content Creation

Although content creation is the first and most natural task to offload to ChatGPT, here’s some ways AI can be leveraged for your internal communications:

Personalization: AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data to tailor communications to individual preferences and needs. Whether it's delivering relevant news updates, training materials, or company announcements, AI ensures that the right message reaches the right employee at the right time.

Chatbots: internal chatbots can offer instant responses, freeing up HR , Business Support and IT personnel and supervisors from routine inquiries, enabling them to focus on more strategic tasks.

Data Analytics: AI tools can analyse patterns in employee interactions, helping leaders understand engagement levels, and emerging trends. This information empowers organisations to make data-driven decisions that foster a positive work environment.

Translation & Accessibility: With colleagues spanning the globe, language barriers can be common. AI-driven language translation bridges communication gaps, ensuring that messages resonate across different cultures and languages. Additionally, AI can assist in creating accessible content for employees with disabilities, promoting inclusivity.  

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Challenges and Considerations

While AI might sound like a knight in shining armour, but every hero has a challenge or two to face:

Privacy Concerns: Organisations need to be transparent about how employee data is handled and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.  Ensure the ethical use of AI within your organisation by participating in the development of guidelines and security measures that protect employee data and privacy.

Human Touch: Genuine human interaction is still a must, reminding us that sometimes a chatbot just can't replace a good old face-to-face conversation. Striking the right balance between automation and personal engagement is crucial. Don’t underestimate the power of authenticity, especially when it comes to leadership communications.

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Cheers to AI-telligent Communications

So, what's the bottom line? The integration of AI into internal communications marks a transformative shift in how organisations connect with their workforce. From personalized messages that light up your day to chatbots that support employees in a matter of minutes, AI is here to make our professional lives just a tad easier.

As this technology continues to evolve, communicators that embrace AI-powered communication solutions will be better equipped to thrive in the dynamic and interconnected landscape of the modern workplace. However, it is essential to approach this integration thoughtfully to ensure a successful transition to this new era.

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