Setting Up a Company Intranet: The Do's and Don'ts
Introduction
In today's digital age, a company intranet is more than just a corporate luxury; it's a necessity. Serving as the gateway to your organization's digital workspace, an intranet is the go-to platform where employees find essential information, tools, and services to perform their daily tasks efficiently. However, setting up an intranet is not without its pitfalls. In this article, we'll explore the things you must avoid when setting up an intranet for your company.
What is a Company Intranet?
A company intranet is a secure, internal network only accessible to the employees of the organization. It serves as a centralized hub where team members can collaborate, share documents, and access various tools and resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Lack of Clear Objectives
Before diving into the technical aspects, define what you want to achieve with the intranet. Is it for better communication, document management, or perhaps a mix of both? Having clear objectives will guide the setup process.
2. Ignoring User Experience
An intranet should be user-friendly. A complicated, hard-to-navigate interface will discourage employees from using it, defeating its purpose.
3. Poor Content Management
Content is king, even on an intranet. Ensure that the content is relevant, up-to-date, and easy to find. Implement a robust search feature and categorize information logically.
4. Inadequate Security Measures
Given that sensitive company information will be stored and shared on the intranet, robust security measures are non-negotiable.
5. Not Seeking Employee Input
Who better to provide insights into what the intranet should feature than the people who will use it? Involve employees in the planning and development stages for a more effective intranet.
Best Practices for a Successful Intranet
- Plan Thoroughly: Conduct a needs assessment and involve key stakeholders in the planning phase.
- Prioritize User Experience: Make the intranet as intuitive as possible.
- Regular Updates: Keep the content fresh and relevant.
- Training: Offer training sessions to employees to get them acquainted with the new system.
- Feedback Loop: Regularly collect feedback for continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Setting up an intranet for your company is a significant undertaking that can offer numerous benefits, from improved communication to streamlined operations. However, the key to a successful intranet lies in avoiding common mistakes and adhering to best practices. By doing so, you'll create a valuable resource that empowers your employees and enhances productivity.