Exploring Internal Communication Examples: With Insights from McDonald’s and Google on Deskless and Hybrid Teams

What sets global giants like McDonald’s and Google apart in managing deskless workers and hybrid teams seamlessly while keeping their employees engaged and aligned? These two companies, despite operating in vastly different industries, provide outstanding internal communication examples.

Their internal communication strategies are no longer restricted to keeping employees informed. They are designed to nurture collaboration among team members and ensure that every team member feels valued, regardless of their workplace.

Google’s innovative use of digital tools for hybrid teams and McDonald’s focus on keeping its frontline staff engaged are some of the biggest examples of efficient internal communication strategies that offer powerful lessons for aspiring business owners. If you’re striving to scale your business organization, these strategies can help you overcome the communication challenges of modern workplaces.

Let’s explore the innovative approaches these businesses take to close communication gaps and improve their corporate culture.

26 Best Examples of Internal Communication to Keep Your Team Aligned and Engaged

1. Instant Messaging

Instant messaging platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams are great for quick, real-time communication. They help teams stay connected and eliminate the delays that often come with email. To make the most of them:

• Create dedicated channels for specific topics, like #project-updates or #general-chat.
• Use status indicators (e.g., “available,” “busy”) to let others know when it’s a good time to reach you.
• Set guidelines to prevent overuse or misuse—no one wants to deal with unnecessary notifications at midnight!

2. Email

Email remains a staple for formal or detailed communication. It’s particularly effective for:

• Company-wide announcements.
• Sharing resources or documentation.
• Following up on meetings or decisions.

Tip: Avoid long-winded emails. Use bullet points, bold text for key takeaways, and clear subject lines like “Team Offsite Agenda: What You Need to Know.”

3. Presentations

Whether it’s a quarterly update or a team brainstorming session, presentations are invaluable for delivering information in an engaging way. To make your presentations memorable:

• Use visuals like charts and images to break up text.
• Keep slides concise—no one likes death by PowerPoint.
• Add a personal story or example to make your points relatable.

4. Meetings

Meetings are essential for fostering collaboration, but they can also be time-drainers if not managed well. Here’s how to run effective meetings:

• Set clear objectives and share an agenda beforehand.
• Use a timer to stay on track and respect everyone’s time.
• Encourage participation by asking open-ended questions or assigning roles (e.g., timekeeper, note-taker).

5. Training Sessions

Training sessions are not just for onboarding new hires—they’re also an opportunity to upskill your team. Ideas to make them engaging:

• Include interactive elements like quizzes, role-playing scenarios, or group discussions.
• Use gamification, such as leaderboards or badges, to motivate participants.
• Record sessions for future reference or for employees who couldn’t attend live.

6. Face-to-Face Chats

When you need to discuss something sensitive or complicated, nothing beats a face-to-face conversation. These interactions are ideal for:

• Performance feedback or one-on-one coaching.
• Brainstorming ideas without the distractions of digital tools.
• Resolving conflicts quickly and effectively.

Pro tip: Adopt an open-door policy to make yourself approachable for in-person discussions.

7. Phone Calls

Sometimes, a quick phone call can cut through the clutter of text-based communication. They’re especially useful for:

• Urgent matters that need immediate resolution.
• Clarifying details that might get lost in email threads.
• Building stronger relationships with remote colleagues.

8. Conference Calls

Conference calls are the go-to solution for team discussions when everyone can’t be in the same room. To make them effective:

• Use tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for better sound quality and screen-sharing capabilities.
• Start with a roll call to ensure everyone is present and engaged.
• Recap action items at the end to avoid confusion.

9. Performance Evaluations

Performance reviews are a critical form of internal communication. They’re an opportunity to align on goals, provide feedback, and plan for growth. Best practices include:

• Using a balanced approach: highlight strengths as well as areas for improvement.
• Encouraging employees to share their own reflections and career aspirations.
• Setting clear, measurable goals for the next review period.

10. Internal Marketing

Think of internal marketing as branding for your team. Use it to:

• Promote new initiatives or policies.
• Reinforce company values through newsletters, posters, or videos.
• Align internal messaging with external branding for a cohesive experience.

11. Graphics

Visual aids can be a powerful way to grab attention and communicate effectively. Use graphics for:

• Infographics that explain complex data or processes.
• Posters announcing events or policy changes.
• Social media-style images to celebrate employee milestones.

12. Videos

Videos are versatile and engaging, making them a fantastic communication tool. Examples include:

• Leadership updates: A short video from the CEO sharing company news or achievements.
• Training tutorials: Step-by-step guides on new tools or processes.
• Employee spotlights: Fun videos introducing team members to the company.

13. Reference Libraries

A centralized repository of information is invaluable for employees seeking answers. Common inclusions are:

• Employee handbooks and company policies.
• FAQs for new tools or systems.
• Archived training materials.

Tip: Make the library searchable to save employees time and effort.

14. Surveys

Want honest feedback from your team? Surveys are the way to go. Use them for:

• Measuring employee satisfaction or engagement.
• Collecting ideas for process improvements.
• Evaluating the success of events or initiatives.

15. Comment Boxes

If you want continuous feedback, comment boxes (physical or digital) are a great addition. To make them effective:

• Allow anonymous submissions to encourage candid input.
• Regularly review and act on suggestions to show employees their voices matter.

16. Calendars

Shared calendars keep everyone aligned on schedules and priorities. Features to consider:

• Event reminders for meetings or deadlines.
• Visibility into team availability for better scheduling.
• Notifications for changes or updates.

17. Conflict Management

When disputes arise, how you handle them sets the tone for your workplace. Effective conflict management involves:

• Listening to all sides without bias.
• Facilitating open dialogue to find common ground.
• Documenting resolutions to ensure accountability.

18. Newsletters

Newsletters are a great way to keep everyone informed about company updates. Ideas for content:

• Announcements of new hires or promotions.
• Highlights from recent events or milestones.
• Personal notes from leadership to show appreciation.

19. Private Blog

A private company blog can serve as a hub for sharing ideas and updates. Potential topics:

• Behind-the-scenes looks at ongoing projects.
• Employee contributions, like thought leadership articles or tips.
• Fun posts, like photo recaps of team outings.

20. Social Media

Private social media accounts can foster a sense of community. Use them for:

• Sharing company news in real-time.
• Posting shout-outs or achievements.
• Encouraging informal interactions and team bonding.

21. Intranet

An intranet is your organization’s internal network for communication and collaboration. Features to include:

• Message boards for team discussions.
• Document sharing for easy access to resources.
• Employee directories for networking.

22. Interviews

Interviews aren’t just for hiring—they’re also a chance to improve internal communication. Examples:

• Exit interviews to gather feedback from departing employees.
• Stay interviews to learn what’s keeping top performers engaged.
• Role interviews to align expectations and responsibilities.

23. Memos

Memos are still relevant for short, professional updates. Tips for crafting effective memos:

• Use a clear subject line and structured format.
• Include actionable steps or deadlines.
• Keep the tone direct and professional.

24. Podcasts

Internal podcasts are a unique and modern way to communicate with your team.

• Use podcasts to share leadership interviews, team spotlights, or in-depth project updates.
• Keep episodes short and easily accessible via email or the company intranet.
• Bonus: Invite employees as guest speakers for a personal touch!

25. Employee Town Halls

Town halls are perfect for aligning the entire company around goals and strategies.

• Host live Q&A sessions so employees can ask questions in real-time.
• Use polls during the session to make them interactive.
• Close with a motivational message from leadership to inspire the team.

26. Gamified Competitions

Turn communication and collaboration into a game to boost engagement.

• Introduce leaderboards for completing tasks like providing feedback or completing training.
• Reward employees with small incentives like gift cards, shout-outs, or badges.
• Use this method to build a fun, competitive spirit while driving participation.

McDonald’s Playbook for Keeping Deskless Workers Engaged

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Nobody could have imagined that McDonald’s, which began as a modest drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California, in 1940, would grow into the major force in fast food that it is today.

The McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice, founded the company. But, it wasn’t until Ray Kroc partnered with them in the 1950s that they transformed their kitchen model into a scalable franchise structure.

Today, McDonald’s operates in over 100 countries, with millions of deskless employees working in restaurants, kitchens, and drive-thrus. Its dedication to communication is the key to its success. McDonald’s ensures that every team member feels connected and empowered.

McDonald’s Global Intranet Portal: AccessMcD

AccessMcD, which was introduced in 2001, served as McDonald’s internal hub and a one-stop location for staff members to obtain critical information. It was created to facilitate communication and make company updates easily accessible. To put it briefly, this intranet was the mainstay of internal communications for a long time.

A few years ago, AccessMcD underwent a significant transformation. It evolved from a static information distribution tool into a dynamic platform for better internal communication across the company. The goal of this makeover was to give McDonald’s employees around the world a more convenient work environment.

McDonald’s Use of Emotional Connections to Drive Business Transformation

McDonald’s internal communications team supported its business transformation initiatives by using emotional connections. Emily Nichols, the Manager of Internal Communications at McDonald’s USA, spearheaded an impressive effort to maintain the motivation and engagement of 2,000 franchise owners who run more than 14,000 locations in the United States throughout a three-year strategic plan.

Keeping a pulse on audience sentiment played a key role in this effort. By truly understanding the emotional journeys of franchise owners, the internal communications team was able to craft content that ignited optimism.

This emotionally charged strategy resulted in a more driven, cohesive network of franchisees and positive growth.

McDonald’s Internal Communication Strategy that’s Building Strong Standards

McDonald’s success depends on upholding a uniform standard throughout its extensive global network of establishments. To maintain these standards, the company offers a variety of tools, resources, training, and other resources to support its extensive network of franchisees, hybrid, and deskless workers, in addition to its own sites.

A key example of this is the company’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace. In 2021, McDonald’s introduced a global eLearning module, “Building a Safe, Respectful and Inclusive Workplace,” which complements its existing workplace training programs. This module, available in multiple languages, was designed to help prevent harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

McDonald’s has also adopted a feedback-driven approach to its Global Brand Standards roll-out, which began in 2021. By actively gathering input from franchisees, the company guarantees that its resources and training programs are clear and tailored to real-world scenarios.

As a result, McDonald’s has continuously enhanced its technology, reporting systems, training modules, and worker communication strategies, making it easier for franchisees to implement and comply with the company’s high standards.

How Does Google’s Internal Communication Connect 182,502 Employees Globally?

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With over 182,502 full-time employees worldwide, Google’s internal communication strategies play a crucial role in keeping teams aligned and motivated. As a tech giant known for its innovation, Google continuously refines its approach to encourage teamwork and transparency. These internal communication examples show how Google modifies its strategies to accommodate the various demands of its employees.

Google Intranet: The Backbone of Internal Communication and Collaboration

Just like McDonald’s, it only makes sense that a tech giant like Google would have a robust Intranet in place to connect its diverse workforce, which spans deskless and hybrid workforce. Google’s internal communication examples show how the company utilizes its intranet for collaboration and keeping everyone aligned.

Google’s Intranet serves as a powerful, centralized hub where employees can access critical resources, share ideas, and stay connected across departments, teams, and geographies. It’s an environment designed to improve productivity and cooperation at scale so that both in-office and remote employees can work together seamlessly.

Following are some of the best features of the Google Intranet:

1. Easier Collaboration and Information Access

One of the standout features of the Google Intranet is its search functionality, powered by Google’s search technology. Employees can quickly find relevant information and documents or even connect with people within the organization. Thus, employee productivity rises sharply as a result of spending less time searching for information.

Additionally, the company intranet enables collaboration by allowing employees to create and share content, participate in discussions, and collaborate on projects via integrated chat and forum features.

2. Integration with Google’s Productivity Tools

Google Intranet is efficiently integrated with Google’s productivity tools. This feature allows all employees to better utilize the whole Google ecosystem.

3. Assisting with Administrative Functions

The Google Intranet simplifies several administrative duties and serves as an employee communication tool. Employees have access to essential services such as benefit information, IT help, employee directories, HR portals, and more. Because of internal applications’ easy accessibility, it is easy for employees to manage their workplace and focus on key tasks.

Challenges to Watch Out For (and How to Tackle Them)

Even the most well-designed internal communication systems face challenges—it’s part of the game. In fact, even powerhouses like Google and McDonald’s deal with hurdles in keeping their teams aligned and engaged. Here are some common roadblocks and practical strategies to overcome them.

1. Information Overload

With a constant stream of updates, emails, and announcements, employees can feel buried under a mountain of information. This leads to disengagement and missed critical updates.

How to Tackle It:

• Curate content: Implement filters, categories, and personalized dashboards so employees see only what’s relevant to them.
• Schedule updates strategically: Avoid sending everything at once—time your communication for when it’s most impactful.
• Highlight key takeaways: Use bullet points or summary sections to help employees quickly grasp the essentials.

2. Lack of Engagement

When employees see the intranet or other platforms as a passive information dump, they’re unlikely to interact. Without engagement, communication tools lose their impact.

How to Tackle It:

• Gamify participation: Introduce challenges, leaderboards, or rewards for actions like completing surveys or attending town halls.
• Create interactive content: Use polls, quizzes, and live Q&A sessions to make employees feel involved.
• Feature employee voices: Spotlight team achievements, personal stories, or peer shout-outs to make the platform feel personal.

3. Technological Adaptation

Not everyone embraces new tools right away, especially in hybrid or deskless work environments. Resistance or confusion can lead to low adoption rates.

How to Tackle It:

• Provide hands-on training: Offer onboarding sessions to walk employees through the tools step by step.
• Make resources accessible: Create easy-to-follow tutorials, FAQ sections, and video guides for ongoing support.
• Encourage feedback: Regularly ask employees what’s working and where they’re struggling, then adjust accordingly.

4. Maintaining Consistency Across Locations

For global teams, language barriers and cultural differences can create inconsistencies in communication, leading to confusion or feelings of exclusion.

How to Tackle It:

• Standardize processes: Create a core set of communication guidelines that apply across all locations.
• Leverage multilingual tools: Use translation features or platforms that support multiple languages to ensure everyone is included.
• Localize content where needed: Provide location-specific updates or materials to make communication more relevant and relatable.

Innovative Internal Communication Strategies

Let’s explore some examples that can help you foster connection and clarity within your organization.

1. Daily Stand-Up Meetings (But Make Them Fun)

If your team starts the day with blank stares and muted microphones, it’s time to rethink the daily stand-up. A quick 10–15 minute huddle is a great way to align priorities and share updates, but adding a little energy can make a big difference. For example:

• Start with a fun icebreaker (What’s one song you can’t stop playing lately?)
• Rotate meeting leaders so everyone feels involved.
• End with a “shout-out” segment to recognize small wins.

Trust me, these tweaks can turn the usual snooze-fest into something everyone actually looks forward to.

2. Slack Channels for Every Occasion

Let’s be real—email can feel like a black hole sometimes. That’s where tools like Slack (or similar platforms) shine. Create channels for different purposes to keep communication focused and engaging. A few ideas:

• #Wins-of-the-week: Share team achievements every Friday.
• #Random: A no-pressure space for sharing memes, pet pics, or weekend plans.
• #Ask-anything: Encourage open questions without judgment—whether it’s about work or the best local lunch spots.

These channels add a personal touch to professional spaces, making communication feel more human.

3. Visual Dashboards for Updates

Words are great, but sometimes you need to see it to believe it. Instead of relying on lengthy email updates, why not use a visual dashboard? Tools like Trello, Asana, or even a simple Google Sheet can make tracking progress crystal clear. For example:

• Use a Kanban board to show project milestones.
• Create a “Team Wins” section to highlight recent accomplishments.
• Add color-coded priorities so everyone knows what’s urgent versus what can wait.

A picture really is worth a thousand words—especially when you’re juggling multiple projects.

4. Video Messages from Leadership

Here’s a truth bomb: Written updates from leadership often lack the personal touch. Instead, try recording short video messages. A 2-minute clip from your CEO sharing big news or gratitude for the team can resonate way more than a formal email. Bonus points if they add a personal anecdote or some humor—it makes them relatable and approachable.

5. Interactive Surveys and Polls

Want to know how your team feels about something? Ask them—but make it quick and interactive. Tools like Mentimeter or Google Forms let you collect instant feedback in a way that feels fresh, not tedious. For example:

• Use a live poll in a meeting to gauge opinions.
• Send a quick survey to get input on upcoming changes.
• Create a “two truths and a lie” quiz about a new project to spark interest.

It’s a win-win: you get valuable insights, and your team feels heard.

6. Town Halls with a Twist

Traditional town halls can feel one-sided—leadership talks, everyone else listens. Why not flip the script? Encourage employees to submit questions ahead of time or in real-time via a chat tool. Even better, add a segment for team stories where employees share their experiences or innovative ideas. It’s a great way to keep things engaging and interactive.

Final Takeaway: What Businesses Can Learn?

Any company hoping to succeed in the fast-paced, hybrid workplace of today may learn a lot from Google’s and McDonald’s internal communication strategies. The key takeaway? Tailor your communication strategies to fit your deskless and hybrid workforce.

theEMPLOYEEapp bridges the gap for hybrid, remote, and deskless teams with an all-in-one solution. Our user-friendly company intranet and unlimited employee texting empower your workforce with instant access to the tools, documents, and information they need to thrive.

Schedule a demo to learn more!

FAQs

1. How can businesses make their intranet more engaging?

To keep employees engaged, focus on user-friendly design, interactive features like forums, and personalized content with visuals and videos.

2. What features are essential for hybrid and deskless team communication?

Mobile access, real-time updates, chat, video calls, file sharing, and multilingual support are must-haves.

3. How do emotional connections improve internal communication?

They build trust and boost morale. Thus, businesses must tailor messages to employee needs, use storytelling, and celebrate successes to nurture stronger connections.