The causes of low engagement are usually obvious

Here are some examples:

• Workers feel undervalued and unrecognized
• Little confidence in senior leaders 
• Limited feedback or 'line of sight'

Sometimes the issues are only perceived meaning that effective two way internal communication can have a significant  positive impact on engagement levels.

A Sneaky Way to Improve Information Cascade

Job descriptions can be an effective employee communication tool for managers.  Help managers to write and communicate them.... and you have an opportunity to build relationships with managers (which can help you ensure other messages cascade effectively though them in the future) 

I'm not that interested in messages from 'Internal Comms'

I have tons to do, so only send me stuff that is relevant and helps me do my job....please!

Use the language they use (especially for IT Communications)

IT people do not tend to think like most end users. Encourage IT teams to to avoid complex language or concepts that might intimidate end users.

Listen, detect and address negative attitudes

Some fear two way internal communication and internal social media - they don't want to "open a can of worms".  Time to face facts - these messages will be communicated whether you hear them or not. Listening allows you to address the cause and /or challenge negative attitudes before they infect new hires.

Don't forget the pictures

Plain old text is tedious.  Remember the white spaces and visuals to keep my attention.

IT and Internal Comms teams need to learn to play nicely

Let's help the IT teams become better communicators so they can:

• Promote their value to internal customers
• Communicate  priorities and how IT supports the business
• Seek constant feedback to learn and evolve. 

As for us internal communications folk - let's stop blaming IT for every IT issue (often it's user error due to poor communications anyway) or their reluctance to implement the latest 'hot' communications system - if we understand their concerns, communicate the business value and play nicely (communicate well) we might be surprised by the result...