In today’s connected world, internal communication tools are crucial, especially as more companies adopt remote and distributed work models. Gone are the days when coworkers could simply walk down the hall to talk. The right internal communication tools — from instant messaging platforms to services for sending a free fax online — can boost employee efficiency, productivity, and communication, regardless of location.

This guide covers the types of internal communication tools available, their benefits, and our top software picks.

What are internal communication apps?

Internal communication tools are software solutions or mobile apps that help employees connect for work-related conversations. These tools enable teams to collaborate, brainstorm, and exchange feedback digitally, reducing the reliance on in-person meetings.

Whether leading a remote or hybrid team, business owners should establish a preferred communication method and ensure everyone uses it. As Kirill Bigai, co-founder of Preply, notes, businesses that use communication apps foster a culture of openness and teamwork. “Impactful communication is crucial for a globally distributed labor force,” he says. “Staff members can participate at their own pace and avoid information overload with asynchronous-first communication platforms, like Slack and Notion.”

What makes an internal communication app effective?

While all internal communication tools facilitate communication, the best ones often serve an additional purpose, such as project collaboration. “The best internal communication apps feature real-time updates, workflow tool integration, and AI-powered search for quick access to crucial data,” advises Bigai. “Features like threaded discussions, auto-translations for multinational teams, and customizable notifications allow staff to stay updated without feeling overburdened.”

Workers with smartphones
Workers with smartphones

The best tool for your business will depend on your specific goals.

Tools for instant messaging

Instant messaging apps allow team members to communicate online throughout the day, whether they’re in the same office or across the globe.

  1. Slack: Slack’s user-friendly interface makes it a popular choice for team communication. Employees can send direct messages or converse in channels organized by team or project. Slack Connect also allows collaboration with external partners.
  2. Flock: Flock offers instant messaging, channels, file sharing, and video conferencing. A key feature is the ability to include external partners, like clients, to view projects and provide feedback at no extra cost.
  3. Connecteam: Designed for deskless teams, Connecteam allows managers to schedule shifts and assign tasks. It keeps employees who work in the field or at multiple locations connected and informed.

Tools for collaboration

These tools help teams not only communicate but also seamlessly share resources like documents and videos.

  1. Google Drive: As part of Google Workspace, this cloud-based storage solution lets teams share files and folders. Users can collaborate in real-time on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
  2. Basecamp: This project management tool gives teams a central dashboard for each project, organizing communication, to-do lists, schedules, and files. This helps everyone track progress and see what’s next.
  3. Help Scout: Focused on customer service, Help Scout helps companies scale their support with features like shared team inboxes and real-time data reporting, improving internal coordination to deliver better customer experiences.
  4. Asana: Asana helps companies operationalize their goals by breaking them down into specific tasks and assigning them to relevant teams. It tracks progress and integrates with over 300 other platforms, while its AI tool assists with planning and reporting.