From Intranet To Employee Experience Platform: New Era In Connectivity

Employee Experience (EX) is not just a trendy HR buzzword; it's a cornerstone of every successful business. The reason is clear: positive employee experiences yield significant benefits for both individuals and the company. Did you know that companies with highly engaged employees report a 23% boost in profitability? With such compelling evidence, it's no wonder businesses are investing heavily in digital solutions to build a connected and productive workforce.

With so many options available, selecting the right solution can be daunting. We are here to help shed some light on how to identify the best option based on your needs. You might be asking yourself: What exactly is an Employee Experience Platform (EXP)? Is intranet still a thing? What is the difference between traditional and modern intranets? These questions are crucial in understanding how to enhance the workplace experience and implement the right digital solution for your company.

As work styles have evolved, so have intranets. Today's modern intranet is much more than a communication tool; it's the platform where employees connect and collaborate, regardless of their location. In this blog, we'll explore the evolution of the intranet into sophisticated Employee Experience Platforms (EXPs), detailing how these tools can elevate engagement and productivity within your organization.

In this blog, you'll find: 

⌛ The Evolution Of The Digital Workplace

🔍 What Is An Intranet? 

💭 Traditional Intranet Vs. Modern Intranet 

💎 What Is An Employee Experience Platform (EXP)?

❓ Intranet Vs. EXP: What Is The Difference? 

⭐ Why You Need An Employee Experience Platform (EXP) In The Modern Workplace

🏁 Conclusion 

The Evolution Of The Digital Workplace

From traditional intranet portals to modern Employee Experience Platforms (EXPs), the digital workplace has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, accelerated even more by the pandemic. As global lockdowns forced workplaces to become fully remote, organizations had to rapidly adapt to support and engage their remote workforce.

In doing so, the focus shifted from basic communication tools to comprehensive platforms prioritizing employee experience and connectivity, regardless of physical location. EXPs emerged as a direct response to these challenges.

1990s to Early 2000s: The Dawn of Intranets

In the mid-1990s, the first intranets emerged, providing secure, internal networks for organizations to share information and manage documents.

Initially serving as static knowledge management systems, early intranets were primarily used for top-down communication and basic information sharing among employees.

Early 2000s to 2010s: The Rise of Social Intranets 

The early 2000s marked a significant evolution of intranets into more comprehensive enterprise portals. Products like SharePoint, a file hosting system, and Jive, the first Enterprise Social Network (ESN), gained widespread adoption during this period.

As these platforms gained popularity, their capabilities evolved rapidly. Social intranets emerged, integrating features that facilitated social interactions and content creation. Employees could now write blog posts, share updates, and access self-service features.

This evolution transformed intranets from static information repositories into dynamic platforms that fostered collaboration and engagement among employees.

The Pandemic Era to Present: The Rise of Employee Engagement Platforms (EXPs)

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for remote work, leading to a surge in the popularity of digital workplaces. In 2020, organizations prioritized enhanced search functionalities and video conferencing capabilities to support dispersed teams and virtual collaboration.

As of 2023, approximately 13% of full-time employees still work remotely, while 28% have embraced hybrid work arrangements. This shift underscores the ongoing importance of engaging employees across diverse work environments. Employee Experience Platforms (EXPs) have emerged as essential tools in this digital transformation.

EXPs gained prominence by prioritizing personalized employee journeys, integrating communication channels, and fostering collaboration. They ensure a consistent and seamless digital experience across devices and locations, enhancing employee satisfaction in today's modern workplace. 

What Is An Intranet?

Simply put, an intranet is a private network accessible only to your organization's staff, typically requiring a login. It serves as a centralized hub for information where employees can access internal resources and documents such as HR forms. Think of it as an internal library for your organization.

👉 Is intranet still a thing? Traditional intranets may have lost some appeal, but modern intranets are very much alive and kicking! The workplace has evolved, and employees now seek more than just a static document repository.

Traditional Intranet vs. Modern Intranet

While traditional intranets serve as static content repositories, modern intranets are designed to be collaborative, social, and interactive platforms. These advanced platforms offer real-time collaboration tools, social networking features, personalized content delivery, and easy integration with other applications.

What Is An Employee Experience Platform (EXP)?

An Employee Experience Platform (EXP) is a digital tool that connects employees across all facets of their work experience. An EXP doesn't replace a modern intranet; it exists alongside it, providing users with easy access to essential apps, documents, company updates, and more in a user-friendly interface.

Employee Experience Platforms (EXPs) are specifically designed to boost employee engagement, foster collaboration, and cultivate a positive workplace culture where employees feel genuinely valued, motivated, and empowered.

Source: Workvivo

Employee Experience Platforms (EXPs) are the cornerstone of a positive work environment, consolidating numerous functionalities within a seamless, user-friendly platform. Key features include:

• Chat and Notifications for instant communication.
• A Newsfeed to keep employees informed and engaged.
• Community Spaces for collaborative discussions and idea-sharing.
• Employee Recognition tools with shout-outs and kudos to celebrate achievements.
• Surveys and Polls to gather valuable feedback and insights.
• Secure Document Storage to store and manage essential files.
• Advanced Analytics capabilities to track engagement and sentiment. 
  
  

⭐ Features

• Intranet: Typically includes document storage, company news, internal communication tools, and sometimes social features for collaboration. 

• EXP: Includes advanced functionalities such as personalized communications, integrated apps, digital AI assistants, employee recognition features, and tools promoting engagement and well-being.

  
  

⭐ User Experience (UX)

• Intranet: Often more static and functional, focusing on providing access to necessary information and resources for employees.

• EXP: More dynamic and personalized, aiming to improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity by offering a seamless and enriched digital experience.

  
  

In essence, an intranet resembles a traditional library — reliable for information storage but lacking the interactive community aspect. On the other hand, an Employee Experience Platform (EXP) is akin to a modern library — a vibrant hub that enriches the employee experience with integrated functionalities tailored to support and enhance workplace interactions and productivity.

Why You Need an Employee Experience Platform (EXP) In The Modern Workplace

In today's digital age, social media has revolutionized how relationships are formed and developed. As a result, digital tools have become indispensable for nurturing these connections and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

With this in mind, here are 5 reasons why you need an Employee Experience Platform (EXP):

1. Enhanced Employee Engagement  

Employee Experience Platforms (EXPs) create a vibrant work environment with personalized communication channels, social features, and recognition tools. EXPs help employees connect and interact seamlessly, building stronger relationships and a sense of belonging.

By fostering open communication and celebrating achievements, EXPs boost morale, productivity, and job satisfaction. As we've previously mentioned, companies with highly engaged employees are more profitable!

2. Integration With Other Tools

EXPs integrate smoothly with existing software like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, Dropbox, and many others. This integration reduces the need to switch between apps, providing a unified digital workplace experience!

Whether accessing files, scheduling meetings, or collaborating on projects, employees can do it all efficiently within the EXP environment. This streamlined workflow enhances productivity and minimizes daily task friction, creating a more cohesive work environment.

3. Better Company Culture

A positive company culture is crucial for employee satisfaction and organizational success. EXPs promote a strong company culture by fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among employees.

Features like kudos and awards, social collaboration tools, and transparent communication channels reinforce company values and align employees with organizational goals. This boosts morale, promotes teamwork, and attracts top talent.

4. Support For Remote & Hybrid Work

With the shift to remote and hybrid work, there's a growing need for digital solutions that support flexible work arrangements. EXPs ensure seamless connectivity and collaboration among dispersed teams, giving remote and hybrid workers the same resources and tools as their in-office counterparts.

Whether working from home, a co-working space, or on the go, EXPs provide consistent access to updates, documents, and collaborative tools. This flexibility enhances productivity and improves work-life balance and job satisfaction.

5. Analytics & Insights

EXPs come with advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing organizations to gain insights into employee engagement, sentiment, satisfaction, and more! By analyzing data on employee interactions, organizations can make informed decisions to improve processes, refine communication strategies, and optimize experiences. This proactive approach helps identify areas for improvement, address challenges, and implement initiatives to enhance overall performance.

Conclusion 

Our workplace landscape has gone through a tremendous transformation over the last decades, from traditional intranets to modern Employee Experience Platforms (EXPs). As we’ve seen, this evolution has been driven by the need to boost employee engagement, foster collaboration, and create a positive work environment. The recent shift towards remote and hybrid work models has further highlighted the importance of these platforms.

The right tools can significantly enhance the employee experience and drive organizational success. As businesses continue to adapt to remote and hybrid work models, the demand for seamless digital solutions will only increase. By investing in the right Employee Experience Platform (EXP), organizations can ensure their teams are connected, motivated, and equipped to thrive in any work environment.