Do Intranets is Still Essential as the Workplace Transforms Digitally?

Date: 18-Mar-2023

For better integration of computer-based tools and technology, organizations turn their workplaces into digital environments. But can an intranet contribute to this transformation, or will it fall short of expectations?

With fewer people in the office, your organization is looking for ways to keep everyone engaged and connected. Employers are investing in digital tools to improve employee communication, collaboration, and engagement. This is called a digital workplace transformation.

Organizations are transforming their digital workplaces to better integrate computer-based tools and technologies. The goal is to use technology to improve communication and collaboration, which can lead to a more engaged workforce, easier collaboration, and increased efficiency.

In the past, intranets were used to solve this problem when the workplace was less complex. But today’s world of work requires us to leave them behind.

The overall success of your digital workplace plan depends on placing people at the heart of every choice. Intranets have repeatedly demonstrated that they cannot accomplish that. Despite their best efforts, they primarily struggle in detaching personnel.

There are Four Reasons Why Intranets Can’t Be Deployed to Successfully Alter the Workplace Digitally.

1. Intranets Develop Chaotic Clutter.

Modern intranets are like the junk drawer in a kitchen, you might be able to find what you’re looking for, but you’ll have to sift through a bunch of random stuff first. They quickly fill up with outdated information and dead links. Employees can’t always find what they need and stop using it as the source of truth that it’s supposed to be.

Productivity goes down when employees can’t find what they need. Spending 15 minutes looking for a simple document is frustrating. It pulls people out of their flow state and distracts them from what’s important.

2. Internet Noise is Loud.

Intranets can be a total eyesore and it’s tough to get your content seen. In order to combat that, organizations will send a bunch of noisy alerts. This results in everyone receiving notifications about updates that only concern a small group of people.

Receiving these noisy, irrelevant notifications causes employees to tune out the intranet entirely. Obviously, this isn’t ideal. Important updates go unnoticed and unread because they’re getting lost in people’s inboxes. With this lack of communication, frustration.

3. Intranets give a Gloomy, Isolated Feeling.

It can be tough for employees to connect with their co-workers. To manage the continuous noise and overwhelming documents, departments set up their own intranets within the intranet. A small space where they might be able to find what they need. But this creates a silo, disconnecting them from the rest of the organization.

Without any connection to what’s going on, they start to feel like their work isn’t significant. That they aren’t part of something that matters. Eventually, they become disengaged from their work. They’re less productive, less satisfied, and more likely to pursue other jobs.

4. Intranets Don’t Help People Do Their Tasks.

All of the points mentioned above result in one big problem. Intranets establish a harsh environment which is the polar opposite of what employees are searching for when they want to be productive at work.

Employees want to do their best, but it’s difficult to excel when you can’t find what you need, your inbox is constantly bombarded with useless notifications, and you feel disconnected from your colleagues.

What Does a Digital Workplace with a Focus on People Looks Like?

In this way, we now know what doesn’t work. But what should we do instead if an intranet isn’t the answer? The following describes a company that prioritizes the needs of its users:

1. Connects Individuals Together

A digital workplace transformation must take into consideration that people need social connections to prosper. This is why one of the most crucial aspects of a digital workplace is generating a sense of community. The community can come in various forms. It can be formal or informal. But it’s a vital piece of the digital workplace puzzle.

Developing a community in the digital workplace can aid in enhancing employee engagement, promoting knowledge sharing, and facilitating collaboration—all of which are essential to keeping employees content and motivated at work.

The desire to belong is a necessity for employees. This entails creating a workplace where employees feel valued and a part of the bigger picture. Employees are gathered together and interact with the company’s ideals through platforms that prioritize people.

2. Becomes a Key Component for (Peaceful) Communication

A crucial part of a digital workplace transformation is making it easier for people to communicate with each other across the organization. The right people need to receive and see the information. Having a platform that allows for targeted notifications helps employees trust that they will only get information that is relevant to them. Silent notifications also mean that employees can check them when they are ready, instead of having their focus interrupted by a loud alert.

3. Allows Them to Access the Information They Require

Employees need a single source of truth in the digital workplace – a place where they can find the information, people, and resources they need to do their job.

Your platform should be easy to use and navigate. No complicated search features or mess of old, outdated files. Employees should be able to find what they’re looking for without having to sort through a maze of broken links and old information.

The file library should also be customized to the needs of your employees. That means creating different views and access levels based on an employee’s role within the organization. For example, a front-line worker will need different information than a manager. Having specific permissions depending on an employee’s role will reduce the overall noise and make sure they only see what’s relevant to them.

A Workspace Platform Created for Your Digital Workplace

Although it might be overwhelming, a digital workplace transformation is key to maintaining employee satisfaction and engagement. Intranets cannot be part of this transition because their design does not prioritize people. Instead, intranets are full of unreliable information and make employees feel isolated from the company as a whole.

It’s a better idea to invest in an employee platform that makes people the priority in every decision. Look for a platform that builds community and allows employees to quickly find the information, people, and resources they need to succeed in their role. Additionally, seek out a platform that encourages communication and makes it simple for employees to celebrate their accomplishments. Making this switch will establish a digital workplace that employees will love coming into each day.

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