Cutting edge intranet is essential for an enterprise’s digital transformation. With so many intranet features to choose from, future-focused companies should look to implement services that support collaboration and knowledge sharing. They should also make user experience a priority. 

Here are modern intranet features that your company can’t afford to do without:  

(1) Team workspaces

When a team’s documents and conversations are all in one place, collaboration is easy. Team workspaces are essential intranet features because they enable better teamwork. Segmented workspaces operate as secure, permission-based intranets within an intranet. . 

Regardless of your organization’s maturity or size, it’s essential to invest in a platform with team workspace features. As your organization grows and changes, you can quickly adapt your team-specific dashboards. 

CASE STUDY 

When COVID-19 hit Legal & General knew they had to keep providing a great service to their customers while also pivoting to remote work. Contact centre staff needed the tools to support customers at a critical point without increasing risk to themselves. This dilemma was made more challenging because of the legacy platform used as a contact centre solution.

A new, bespoke intranet dubbed ”The Hub”. As well as helping with day-to-day tasks, staff can work remotely and still easily collaborate in a more distributed workforce model using The Hub.

(2) Forums and commenting spaces

Corporate intranet features should include a space to carry out company-wide discussions. With forums and commenting spaces, employees can ask questions and discuss ideas collectively. Public forums build rapport between teams because they can support each other with expertise and fresh insight. They also enhance internal communication of events and incidents. 

CASE STUDY 

From industry experts to academics, the UK Ministry of Defence needed to create an online community where its key stakeholders could connect. 

The MoD designed a user-friendly skin to lay over Sharepoint. Without a single line of code, the Ministry created Nexus, a communication forum where integral partners can discuss current news and events, and share resources. Nexus provides an easy-to-use, flexible communication portal that brings collaborative thought into focus. 

(3) Smart search

As your enterprise grows, the content on your intranet platform will too. Smart search is an essential intranet feature for growing businesses to access relevant information quickly. An intuitive, contextual search tool will help employees find the content they need, without the frustration of sifting through folders. 

CASE STUDY 

Galenica had ambitions to give their deskless workers better access to internal communications. However, only a small percentage of the staff has access to a company device and account. There wasn’t any mobile access either. If staff couldn’t access the intranet, they certainly couldn’t engage with it.

An intranet based on Microsoft 365 and LiveTiles offers Galenica a suitable solution. The platform is suitable for targeted communication, personalized information, and intuitive use. Galenica’s nearly-8,000 employees can easily access their new intranet, “G-Net.” Many non-desk workers access the platform via their smart phones. The introduction of the new intranet has given many employees a digital identity for the first time.

(4) Mobile responsive design

Your intranet must feature mobile responsive design. In today’s portable workplace, employees do just as much work on their phones as they do in front of their computers. A responsive design makes it easy for your employees to stay connected to your intranet from the convenience of their mobile devices. 

Responsive design isn’t just easier to use; it also adds an extra layer of productivity because your employees access the intranet from their personal devices. 

CASE STUDY 

ENGIE Switzerland has 30 regional offices spread across the country’s three language zones, and many employees at customer facilities or on construction sites. Employees could only get on to the company’s intranet while they were in the company IT-environment. Communication and access to information, therefore, was sometimes difficult, a fact reflected in employee surveys.

What Makes a Modern Intranet Essential for Today’s Companies?

A modern intranet is more than just an internal website; it’s a crucial digital platform that supports various aspects of an organization’s daily operations. With the rise of remote work and the need for efficient internal communication, a modern intranet helps keep everyone connected, informed, and engaged. It supports a digital workplace by facilitating easy access to information, collaboration tools, and resources, allowing employees to work more effectively, regardless of their location.

How Can an Intranet Platform Enhance Internal Communication?

Effective internal communication is the backbone of any successful company. An intranet platform streamlines this by providing a central hub for news, updates, and announcements. It ensures that all employees have access to the same information, reducing misinformation and improving transparency. Moreover, it allows for two-way communication, enabling employees to share feedback, ideas, and insights, thereby fostering a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Why Is Employee Engagement Crucial in an Intranet Solution?

Employee engagement is directly linked to productivity, satisfaction, and retention. An intranet solution that encourages engagement by allowing employees to interact, share achievements, and collaborate on projects not only boosts morale but also promotes a sense of belonging. Features such as social feeds, forums, and recognition tools can help employees feel more connected and valued within the organization.

What Key Features Should Your Company Intranet Have?

A great intranet should include a variety of features to support its users’ needs. Essential features include a user-friendly interface, personalized content, robust search capabilities, and mobile access. Additionally, integration with other digital tools and platforms used by the company is crucial for a seamless workflow. Social features like forums and polls can further enhance engagement and collaboration among staff.

How to Choose the Right Intranet Software for Your Organization

Selecting the right intranet software involves evaluating your organization’s specific needs and goals. Consider factors such as the size of your workforce, the level of customizability required, and the software’s ability to integrate with existing tools. It’s also important to think about user adoption and ease of use, as these will significantly impact the intranet’s effectiveness.

The Role of Social Intranet Features in Building Company Culture

Social intranet features can play a pivotal role in shaping and nurturing company culture. By enabling more informal interactions and providing spaces for socializing and recognition, they help create a more cohesive and supportive work environment. These features can bridge the gap between different levels of the organization, encouraging open communication and fostering a sense of community.

The Importance of Mobile Intranet Accessibility

With the increasing prevalence of remote work and the need for flexibility, mobile intranet accessibility has become a must-have. A mobile-friendly intranet ensures that employees can access important information, stay updated, and communicate with their colleagues no matter where they are, using their preferred devices.

Utilising Intranet Search for Efficient Information Retrieval

An efficient intranet search function is critical for helping employees quickly find the information they need. This feature can significantly reduce time spent searching for documents, policies, and other resources, thereby increasing productivity. Advanced search options, such as filtering by content type or date, can further enhance the user experience.

Integrating Digital Workplace Tools with Your Intranet

A modern intranet should seamlessly integrate with other digital workplace tools such as email, calendars, project management software, and more. This integration enables a more streamlined workflow, reducing the need to switch between multiple applications and platforms. It can also facilitate better collaboration and project tracking within the intranet environment.

Best Practices for Intranet Content and User Engagement

Creating engaging and relevant content is crucial for keeping users interested in the intranet. Regular updates, interactive elements, and content tailored to different user groups can help maintain high levels of engagement. Encouraging user-generated content and feedback can also contribute to a more dynamic and responsive intranet.

Summary of Key Points to Remember

• A modern intranet is essential for efficient internal communication and employee engagement.
• Key features include personalized content, robust search, mobile access, and digital tool integration.
• Social features and mobile accessibility enhance company culture and flexibility.
• Choosing the right intranet software depends on your organization’s specific needs.
• Integrating digital workplace tools and maintaining engaging content are best practices for a successful intranet.

This list of essential intranet features highlights the importance of a well-designed intranet in today’s digital workplace. By focusing on these key aspects, companies can ensure their intranet not only meets the immediate needs of their employees but also supports long-term organizational growth and success.

Find The Right Intranet Platform For Your Organization 

A deployment based on SharePoint Online, LiveTiles Reach and the LiveTiles Intranet Hub allowed ENGIE to reach and serve employees wherever they are, no matter their role, location or device. The company now has a dynamic news and communications platform that’s accessible from anywhere, fuelled by interactive, local-language content created using LiveTiles Reach.

With an innovative intranet system, enterprises can transition smoothly to digital workplace operations. For growing and established businesses alike, the ideal intranet features flexible collaboration tools and superb, multi-device user experience.

What tops your Intranet features list? Contact us to implement your favourite features today.