Why the future of work doesn’t include email: how internal communication is evolving
Just sent it in an email. Sound familiar? It’s still said all the time. But just as often, you’ll hear: “I didn’t see that email,” or “Was that in the attachment?” Relying on email for internal communication is starting to show its age. In a world where we aim to work smarter, scattered communication is the last thing we need., some flexible working hours and the occasional team outing. Surely that’s enough to keep people motivated? Unfortunately, Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2024 proves otherwise.
In reality, only 13% of employees in Europe are actively engaged in their work the lowest engagement rate globally. This means nearly nine out of ten employees feel disconnected from their organisation. The consequences are clear: lower productivity, increased absenteeism and a company culture lacking energy and direction.
From inbox overload to information drought
A 2024 global study by ClickUp found that employees spend nearly 28% of their workweek just looking for information. Not doing their actual jobs, but figuring out how to do them digging through email threads, chats, documents, and tools for context, files, and decisions.
And with the average employee receiving 121 emails a day (Radicati Group, 2024), it’s no wonder that key information gets buried in the noise.
Inefficient communication = expensive communication
The impact of inefficient communication is often underestimated. McKinsey found that companies using digital collaboration tools can boost productivity by up to 25%. That’s not just about speed, it’s about working more effectively, with fewer meetings, less duplication, and greater clarity. When processes rely on email, delays are inevitable. People wait for replies that get lost in inboxes. Responsibilities become unclear. Decisions are made based on outdated information.
Ironically, we’re communicating more than ever, yet understanding each other less.
From tool overload to unified platforms
In recent years, a clear shift has emerged: organisations want to simplify. No more juggling email, WhatsApp, SharePoint, Teams, and separate planning tools. The goal is one central platform for communication, collaboration, and information.
According to WorkforceGroup (2025), 45% of companies say their biggest communication challenge is the lack of a central information hub. Nearly 40% of employees feel internal communication doesn’t keep them informed about their organisation’s direction.
So it’s not just about fewer tools, it’s about gaining control over information in one place.
AI is changing the way we communicate
AI is playing an increasingly important role in workplace communication. But it’s not just about automation, it’s about making communication smarter. AI can help by:
- Summarising long messages, translating content for international teams.
- Targeting updates to the right people at the right time, and even analysing sentiment to see how messages are received.
AI only works well when it has access to structured, centralised data. If information is scattered across dozens of tools, AI’s potential is lost. That’s why a unified platform where communication, documents, and workflows come together, is essential to unlock its full power.
Technology alone isn’t the answer
Technology is a powerful enabler, but it’s not a silver bullet. Without the right culture and ways of working, even the best tools fall flat. Smarter internal communication requires more than software, it needs a shared understanding of how people connect and collaborate.
That means less broadcasting and more dialogue.
- Less noise and more structure.
- Less top-down control and more ownership.
- People engage more when they feel heard and involved.
A centralised approach only works when it’s embraced across the organisation. That takes leadership, communication skills, and a willingness to listen. Technology can support this, but people make it happen.
Towards a future with less email and more connection
The future of work isn’t about saying more, it’s about saying it better. Not necessarily faster, but clearer. Centralised. Searchable. Easy to understand.
That means making choices: fewer emails, more clarity. Fewer disconnected tools, more cohesion. When communication is centralised and aligned with culture and processes, real engagement can flourish.
Ready to make smarter communication part of your culture?
Start by asking the right questions: Where’s the noise? Where’s the confusion? And how can we use technology to bring people closer together? With the right strategy and platform, you can turn passive readers into active participants.
Is your organisation ready to take internal communication to the next level? With Bundeling, you create a workplace where information flows, collaboration feels natural, and people feel genuinely connected. Over 1000 organisations have already made the switch.
Request a free demo to see what’s possible for your organisation and for your team.
