Gone are the days when intranets were merely content repositories or static news sites that struggled to keep up with the dynamic needs of the modern workforce. In a world marked by technological advancements and widespread remote work, traditional intranet approaches no longer suffice. Organisations must not only abandon outdated intranet technologies but also embrace what truly works. Crafting a forward-thinking intranet with features tailored to the needs of today’s internal audiences can profoundly impact organisational culture, operations, and overall business success.
For organisations contemplating the transformation of their intranet into a true digital home, let’s explore the features to adopt and those to bid farewell.
In: A user-centred experience, Out: A business solution focus
Recognising that all intranet users are consumers outside the business walls is paramount. The best applications prioritise the user experience, fostering engagement and providing a platform for continual improvement. A user-centred approach ensures that the intranet remains relevant, as user adoption is the key metric for success.
In: AI-powered features, Out: Basic anything
The potential applications of AI span across various industries, and intranet technology is no exception. From AI writing assistants to chatbots and intelligent notifications, leveraging AI can revolutionise access to information, streamline communication, and enhance the overall user experience.
In: Everyone in one place, Out: Heavy email use
Relying on email to manage extensive knowledge and information is a thing of the past. A modern intranet consolidates information as a centralised source of truth, customising access per role and delivering information faster and with greater accuracy.
In: Targeted, effective communications, Out: spray and pray comms
Intranets should go beyond being a void where information is posted without engagement. Leveraging channels, pages, and mirroring external user experiences ensures that messages reach the right people at the right time, promoting meaningful engagement.
In: Beautiful sites with personality, Out: Dull sites with limited features
An intranet should not be a place devoid of personality. Building a visually appealing, branded site customised to organisational needs fosters engagement and serves as an internal extension of the external website.
In: Simpler, faster rollouts, Out: Complex, months-long projects
Contrary to the notion that intranet rollouts take months, modern approaches with AI page builders and pre-built templates can facilitate quicker rollouts without compromising quality, security, or design.
In: Aligned organisations, Out: Disconnected teams
Modern intranets seek to align the entire organisation, breaking down silos and promoting knowledge sharing horizontally across teams. It ensures that every team is synchronised, working toward common corporate objectives.
In: Intranet maturity journeys, Out: A static intranet home
Viewing the intranet as a dynamic entity that evolves and matures over time is crucial. Just like a home, an intranet should adapt to the needs of its occupants, fostering knowledge sharing, building trust, and forming a unified organisational purpose.
In conclusion, the intranet landscape of 2024 demands a shift toward user-centric experiences, AI integration, efficient communication, and dynamic, evolving platforms. Embracing these changes will not only transform your intranet but also solidify its role as a digital home for your organisation.
