.svg)
Ever heard the saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know?" Well, it turns out this adage holds true inside your company too. 80% of employees say networking is crucial to their career growth, and internal networking can be just as effective—fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. For HR and L&D professionals, facilitating networking within your company can be a secret weapon to not only promote employee wellbeing and growth, but supercharge your organization's performance.
“Who you know” may make all the difference for employees—especially when it comes to feeling engaged and staying loyal to your company. So, teaching employees how to network within your company and giving them the tools and opportunities to do so goes a long way.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what is internal networking, how to network internally, and ways to support your employees through it.
What is internal networking?
Internal networking is all about enabling employees to build and nurture relationships within their own organization. It's not just about collecting contacts or a quick hello in the hallway; it's about forming meaningful connections with colleagues across different departments and levels. Think of it as creating a web of allies who can give support, open doors to new opportunities, or provide vital social time at work. By regularly engaging with coworkers, whether through team projects, mentorship, or even informal coffee chats, employees not only expand their understanding of the organization's goals and culture but also position themselves as a vital part of its collaborative spirit.
Why internal networking matters
There are two main ways internal networking contributes to a stronger organization and feeds into a host of other benefits:
- Collaboration and knowledge sharing: When employees start networking within your company, it breaks down silos and allows different departments and functions to share knowledge and collaborate on projects. This cross-pollination of ideas can spur innovation and keep your company ahead of the curve.
- Innovation and problem-solving: By fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable reaching out to colleagues across the organization, you're creating a breeding ground for innovation. Often, the best solutions come from unexpected places—like the finance team offering insights to the marketing department or an IT guru brainstorming with customer service reps.
- Positive work culture: A positive work culture isn’t created overnight—it requires a sustained and varied effort. Enabling strong internal networks is one way to contribute to a supportive workplace that improves employee wellbeing and growth.
How effective internal networking benefits your company
Creating a vibrant, connected workplace where communication and collaboration naturally thrive is all about effective internal networking. It’s more than exchanging pleasantries and small talk about the weather; it’s about building genuine connections that spark creativity, boost teamwork, and create a stronger sense of belonging. By fostering these relationships, your company creates a stronger, more authentic workplace culture while empowering employees to grow and seize new opportunities.
Here are ways internal networking impacts your company:
- Employee engagement: When employees feel connected and valued, they’re more likely to be engaged in their work. Internal networking creates a sense of community, boosting morale and job satisfaction.
- Retention: Employees that are part of strong internal networks are less likely to leave. They feel more integrated into the company culture and have a support system they don’t want to lose.
- Organizational performance: A well-networked organization is agile and resilient. With strong internal networks, your company can adapt quickly to changes, better leverage internal expertise, and drive more innovation—all contributing to better overall performance.
- Reputation: Employees networking within your company boosts your organization’s reputation among past, current, and future employees. Engaged employees with supportive networks are more likely to share their experiences and advocate for the company. Even employees that leave are more willing to endorse your company as a great place to work.
“The reality is, people will leave and journey on to new adventures. When they do so, you're hoping that they leave having a positive reflection of your organization. We need to create opportunities and cultures that help people to thrive and grow. And yes, we want them to stay. But also we should be able to celebrate them when they leave in favorable standing.”
Lynita Taylor, Program Manager - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Samsara
How HR and L&D facilitate internal networking
As HR and L&D professionals, you’re crucial in creating an environment ripe for internal networking. You understand the pulse of the organization and design initiatives encouraging employees to think beyond their departmental walls. Through deliberate programs and resources, you can nurture connections that boost both personal growth and team potential, paving the way for a more connected and innovative workplace.
1. Mentorship programs
Mentorship programs are a fantastic way to encourage internal networking. Pairing seasoned veteran employees with team members eager to learn, or facilitating a peer mentor program, not only promotes knowledge transfer, but also fosters meaningful connections across different areas and levels of the organization—creating a multifaceted internal network.
2. Cross-functional team projects
Encouraging team leaders to connect with other teams for cross-functional projects is another way to encourage internal networking. These projects get employees out of their comfort zones to collaborate with new people and gain a broader perspective on your company’s operations.
3. Learning events
Organizing learning events, such as workshops and seminars, provides a casual setting for employees to connect. It’s a win-win: employees enhance their skills while building valuable relationships.
4. Internal networking events
Events wholly dedicated to internal networking, such as company mixers or team retreats, offer informal environments where employees can mingle and share both work and non-work-related experiences. Events like these help break down hierarchical barriers and nurture a sense of camaraderie.
5. Coffee chats
Coffee chats are an easygoing yet effective way to nurture internal networks. Pairing employees up to grab a virtual coffee together opens the door to spontaneous, genuine conversations that often spark fresh ideas and new friendships. Laid back interactions like coffee chats not only promote a culture of openness but also build a supportive atmosphere between colleagues.
6. Social interest groups
One way employees can learn how to network internally is through encouraging them to create their own groups based on shared hobbies or passions. Whether it’s a book club or sports team, these groups allow everyone to connect over the things they love and foster deeper relationships.
7. Employee Resources Groups (ERGs)
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are another powerful way for employees to connect over shared backgrounds, interests, or goals. By participating in these employee-led groups, individuals from different parts of the company can come together, empowering each other and promoting diversity and inclusion.
How to facilitate internal networking activities
It’s all about creating spaces where conversations can happen effortlessly, ideas bounce around freely, and each person knows they’re welcome to contribute. By crafting ways to facilitate internal networking and teaching employees how to network within your company, you can inspire teams to forge meaningful connections, fueling both personal and professional growth along the way.
Here are a few ways to enable networking within your company for your employees:
- Use technology: Many of the tools you’re already using can help you build the framework for some internal networking initiatives—like Slack or Teams. But, more specialized tools take the heavy lifting off of your team when planning learning events, mentoring programs, and virtual coffee chats.
- Train networking skills: Networking can be an intimidating task for some employees. So, before sending them out to connect with their colleagues, train them on how to network internally. Offer sessions or resources on communication skills, active listening, and the art of building relationships.
- Provide resources and kits: For ERGs and social interest groups, giving employees a toolbox to start and maintain these groups empowers them to forge their own internal networks. Kits can contain everything from tips on organizing group activities, to guidelines on how to communicate and collaborate, to how to access materials relevant to their group. By giving employees the tools to start groups, they’ll feel excited and ready to dive in.
Structuring internal networking with Together
Supporting internal networking and employee connection can be a lot of work—but it’s well worth it. This is why Together’s suite of mentorship software and employee engagement tools are specifically built to take the load off while still being easy to use for both administrators like you and your employees.
Whether you want to create traditional, 1-on-1 mentorship programs, get employees talking through casual coffee chats, or centralize content and resources, we have a solution to support you.
By supporting your employees so they understand how to network within your company, you empower them to build meaningful relationships that help them grow personally and professionally—all while contributing to organization success. Book a demo to talk with one of our experts today!
