It’s time for Internal Comms to lead the AI conversation — not play catch-up

Written by
Engage
published
April 29, 2025
Category
Internal Communication
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Whether you're ready or not, AI is changing the way we work, lead and communicate. But here’s the thing: AI doesn’t replacecommunication. It depends on it. That’s why internal communicators aren’t just part of the AI conversation … we should be leading it.

We know our people. We understand how to connect, inspire and build trust in times of change. And with AI shaking up everything from content creation to decision-making, there’s never been a better time to step-up and show how IC can shape culture, drive alignment and keep the human heartbeat strong. So, what does leading the way look like?

1) Start with curiosity, not fear

Yes, AI can write copy, summarise reports and analyse sentiment in seconds. But the goal isn’t to replace humans, it’s to free us up for more strategic, creative and people-focused work. Trial tools. Test prompts. Play. The more curious we are, the more value we’ll unlock.

2) Get intentional about the tools

AI is only as good as the inputs and ethics behind it. Don’t just chase the latest shiny tool. Be clear on the problem you’re solving and put in place the right principles and governance to protect employee trust.

3) Own the narrative

People are hearing all sorts of things about AI … from job loss fears to sci-fi doomsday scenarios. As communicators, we have a role to play in cutting through the noise. Make it practical. Make it relatable. Help people see the opportunity, not just the risk.

4) Be the bridge

One of our superpowers in IC is connecting people, teams and ideas. We understand both the tech talk and the people impact. Use that to bring IT, HR,leadership and the wider business together to shape a responsible, empoweringapproach to AI.

5) Make space for skills

To thrive in the age of AI, communicators will need a mix of technical awareness, data confidence and strong storytelling. But let’s not forget what makes IC unique: empathy, creativity, emotional intelligence. That’s what AI can’t do. And that’s where we shine.

This is our moment. Let's grab it. We don’t have to be coders or data scientists to lead the way. We just need to stay human, stay curious and stay strategic. AI is already transforming our field. Let’s make sure it’s on our terms.

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