In the hybrid workplaces of 2025, keeping employees informed, engaged, and connected is a constant challenge for HR departments. Many employees work remotely, in different time zones or at other offices. Communication methods are no longer available, including something as simple as walking to a colleague’s desk.
SMS marketing services are what you’ll be getting if you read the title. When used correctly, SMS marketing services can be extremely powerful, elevating internal communication and improving employee engagement.
Overcoming Communication Challenges
There are many communication channels available to HR departments, but these can cause problems: message overload, seriousemail exhaustion (is inbox zero possible? There are too many platforms and it’s difficult for employees to communicate effectively. hybrid and remote models make it even harder for employees to effectively communicate.
Adding more apps, enforcing new rules for email or increasing the number Zoom meetings can be counterproductive. People will stop reading messages if you add extra layers.
Why SMS Works
We’re going back to the basics with your trusty SMS. SMS boasts an open rate of 98%; you are more likely to look at it when you receive one.
It is also important that they are opened immediately upon arrival, especially when an urgent issue needs to be addressed. The snail mail is a little outdated, but it still works in 2025 ,, partly because most companies underuse them.
It doesn’t matter if someone is using a ‘dumb’ phone or the latest iPhone. SMS messages can still be viewed without a special app or login. Easy, simple, effective.
Use Cases for SMS
It’s not very helpful to know how SMS works unless it’s accompanied by some real-world examples that demonstrate its utility.
SMS services are a great way to help new employees. OnboardingNew employees require more attention. SMS services can help with welcome messages, reminders of training events or other important dates, and even simple login information.
Schedule Updates and Shift Changes –Examples include notifying staff of last-minute changes to rotas or requests for overtime.
Employee Surveys and Feedback – It’s important to understand how your employees are feeling, so SMS can be used to encourage participation in general questionnaires or polls.
Emergency alerts – Whether it is a weather update informing people not to enter (We know how the UK deals with snow, right?) SMS is the best way to deliver any type of important message.
Internal Campaigns –Important Policy Changes, or just an invitation to the Friday free pizza luncheon or after-work events.
These are ‘s internalcommunications. Many other SMS uses are very effective for marketing campaigns (but this is another article). ).
Why you need a SaaS solution
You’ll need a SMS Marketing Service that’s been designed for business, regardless of whether you are in charge of an entire HR department or just a single person responsible for internal communications.
ClickSend makes it easier to manage internal communication campaigns. SMS marketing services are easier to use than clunky applications or manual input of numbers. ).
These services are easier to use and offer many additional features. High-end SMS services include features like segmentation, message planning, and personalisation. These tools can help to improve the open and read rate of your message, enhance its presentation, and make sure it is delivered.
Staying compliant: GDPR Consent
SMS services aren’t just safer, but also easier to use. Just like email marketing campaigns, SMS should be treated with caution. You need clear employee consent.
All data must be securely stored and your company should offer an opt-out option. It is important to adhere to best practices on all fronts. You must combine transparency with consent-driven SMS and tick all the boxes for data governance.
It’s not just a recommendation or best practice; it’s law. The ICO in the UK has very clear guidelines which must be adhered to. These are usually covered by an SMS marketing service (but check to be 100% sure).
We’re not advocating that SMS replace apps such as Slack, WhatsApp or Outlook. These apps should be working in conjunction with SMS to enhance their functionality.
SMS marketing is a cost-effective, fast and effective way for companies to communicate with their employees. SMS can be used for a variety of purposes, including onboarding or emergency situations that require immediate action.
SMS is a reliable tool for internal communication in a fast-paced world where communication tools seem to change every day.
The first time HR News published the article How SMS marketing services are revolutionising employee engagement and internal communications.
