What 107 Million Emails Reveal About Internal Communication Effectiveness
- The AdvoCast Team
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
Workshop has released its 2025 Internal Communication Benchmarks and Best Practices Report, offering one of the most comprehensive looks at employee engagement through internal email. The study analyzed 107 million emails sent between December 2023 and December 2024 across multiple industries. For executives leading communications, the findings deliver clear insights into how timing, format, and leadership presence influence employee attention.
Average Open Rate: 76 percent of internal emails were opened.
Average Click-Through Rate: 10 percent of opened messages generated clicks.
Timing Matters: Emails sent at 9 a.m. on Wednesday delivered the highest open rates. Messages sent on Mondays produced the strongest click-through performance.
Subject Line Length: Short subject lines between 21 and 40 characters outperformed longer ones. Messages with subject lines over 80 characters saw a decline in engagement.
Sender Credibility: Emails sent from a leader or known individual were opened more often than those sent from a generic address.
Segmentation: Smaller, targeted lists generated stronger engagement compared to mass email blasts.
Multi-channel Use: Half of internal communication teams used Slack, Teams, or SharePoint alongside email to reinforce messages.
Frequency: On average, companies sent 14 internal emails per month. Event-driven messages, such as training invitations or deadline reminders, were the most effective at driving employee action.
These findings highlight the need for precision in communication strategy. Employees are more likely to engage with leadership-driven messages that are clear, concise, and delivered at the right time. Timing should be planned with the same discipline as external campaigns. The subject line should be treated as the first line of communication rather than a label. Segmentation shows employees that their time is valued, which builds trust and credibility.
For executives, the implication is straightforward: internal communication can be measured, refined, and improved. Trust and engagement grow when leaders use data to guide strategy and when communicators apply those insights consistently.
Leverage Leadership Voice: Attach executive presence to key communications to boost trust and visibility.
Use Timing Strategically: Plan sends around proven windows such as mid-morning on Wednesdays for opens and Mondays for actions.
Prioritize Clarity: Keep subject lines short, specific, and relevant. Treat them as a communication tool rather than an afterthought.
Segment with Purpose: Smaller, tailored lists deliver stronger engagement and show respect for employees’ attention.
Adopt Multi-channel Strategies: Use supporting platforms like Slack or Teams to reinforce important updates and reach diverse employee groups.
The Workshop 2025 Benchmarks Report shows that effective communication is not accidental. By applying data-driven practices and aligning leadership presence with timing, clarity, and segmentation, organizations can strengthen trust, improve engagement, and ensure employees act on critical information.
Executives who approach internal communication with the same rigor as external messaging will see measurable returns in alignment, culture, and organizational performance.
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