Why IC Professionals Need to Think Like Business Psychologists

Can every internal communication challenge be solved through the lens of business psychology?

Maybe not every single one. But the biggest ones? Absolutely.

Gallagher’s 2025 State of the Sector report identifies the top three purposes of internal communications (IC) as:

• Strategic alignment
• Culture and belonging
• Organizational agilit

While these purposes define the overarching role of IC, the report also highlights that IC professionals are prioritizing specific actions—such as engaging employees around strategy and values—to achieve them. At the core of both purpose and priority is the need to influence behavior and drive action. That’s where business psychology comes in.

Business psychologists specialize in understanding human behavior, optimizing team dynamics, and reducing organizational friction. Their expertise directly supports the goals of IC by tackling the underlying people issues that often stall progress.

Unlike financial advisors or real estate experts, business psychologists aren’t brought in to fix a spreadsheet or close a deal. They’re people experts, helping create psychologically healthy workplaces where employees can thrive.

Psychology Today outlines several ways business psychologists contribute to organizational success. In IC terms, that means:

• Getting to the root of resistance—Instead of treating symptoms, business psychologists help uncover deeper behavioral or systemic issues blocking progress. How often have we heard from organizational leaders that “better content” or “more messages” will solve the employee engagement problem? Like business psychologists, IC professionals need to look deeper to find the root cause of problems to implement the right solutions.
• Aligning people, not just messaging—Business psychologists assess how teams and individuals connect to strategic goals and identify roadblocks to real alignment. It’s about helping people see how their individual puzzle pieces fit into the organization’s bigger picture.
• Enhancing decision-making—By understanding cognitive biases and psychological drivers, business psychologists help leaders and employees make more informed choices—such as where, when, what, how, and why to communicate.
• Building adaptability—Business psychologists support sustainable change by identifying what will actually shift behaviors, not just policies. “More messages” won’t drive action. A business psychologist’s perspective helps change that mentality.
• Strengthening workplace culture—Beyond surface-level engagement tactics, business psychologists help embed psychological principles that shape long-term success. Communication is a key factor in organizational culture. As Forbes’s State of Workplace Communication report notes, ineffective communication impacts productivity for 49%, job satisfaction for nearly 50%, and stress levels for 42%.
• Managing capacity—By analyzing how people work best, business psychologists help optimize workloads and reduce burnout. When employees are aligned with organizational objectives, it’s easier to distinguish priorities from distractions. You’re clear on how you’re driving real impact and can focus on what builds momentum in the right direction. It’s less about chasing “shiny objectives” and more about meaningful work that drives results.
• Supporting talent strategy—Business psychologists help ensure the right people are in the right roles, maximizing both individual and business potential. IC professionals—and many others—have experienced the challenge of working with individuals who aren’t suited for their roles. Whether due to a lack of knowledge, technical expertise, business acumen, or emotional intelligence, being in the wrong role can take a toll on mental well-being. It can lead to insecurity and imposter syndrome, making people more sensitive or defensive when their expertise or authority is challenged.

This isn’t just theoretical for me. It’s why I went back to school this year for a second master’s degree—this time in business psychology.

After a decade in communications, I’ve seen firsthand how egos, insecurities, and motivations shape workplace dynamics. With AI automating more of our routine tasks, the human side of communication is more important than ever. That’s exactly why I’m investing in this expertise.

Internal communication is about more than crafting the perfect message. It’s about influencing how people think, feel, and act at work. Business psychology offers the tools to do that more effectively, helping IC professionals move beyond surface-level solutions and tackle the deeper challenges shaping today’s workplaces.

The future of IC doesn’t just need better messaging. It needs better insight into the people behind the messages. And that’s where business psychology can make all the difference.

I'd highly encourage all internal communication professionals, or really any working professional, to broaden their horizons through formal or informal study into business psychology. Every workplace is packed with humans.

By better understanding what drives and motivates us and what may be holding us back, we can create healthier, more productive workplaces where everyone’s empowered to thrive.