While there are many ways to define a digital workplace, at its core, a digital workplace is based in employee experience. It is the use of technology to support employees’ ability to complete their daily tasks at any time and from anywhere, and it considers the entire lifecycle of an employee, from onboarding to leaving the organization.
Digital workplaces have created new technology-based strategies to address the following business-critical activities:
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Finding and sharing information
- Accessing business applications
- Flexibility, specifically the ability to be productive regardless of where employees are physically located
Each of these components, when implemented effectively, contributes to a stronger company culture. Employees are more engaged because the company’s strategy is clear and transparent to all staff members. Access to critical business applications is easy, and single-sign-on (SSO) technology makes user authentication seamless for frequently used applications.
Knowledge is up-to-date and readily accessible through high-quality indexes and dynamic searchability. Silos among functional groups are taken down, and distributed locations become more integrated. This technology can ensure that remote workers feel included and in the loop with company news.
Critical features of an employee-centric intranet
While not the only solution to creating a digital home for employees, most organizations find that a company intranet is the best solution. Advanced technology makes it possible to access intranet portals anytime, anywhere, using any device with access to the internet.
Easy accessibility is key to realizing return on investment, as nearly every organization struggles to do more with less. Staff members face time constraints when it comes to making connections and finding the information they need, and a one-stop portal offers a streamlined solution that can fit into busy schedules easily.
- Opportunity for pre-boarding during the important days between accepting an offer and arriving for work
- Networking during new hire orientation
- Online social recognition tools for peer-to-peer expressions of appreciation
- Employee self-service tools to update personal information and to manage company-sponsored benefits
- Immersion in company culture during onboarding
- Learning and development options that appeal to all kinds of learns; for example, user-generated content, webinars, and micro-learning modules
- Formal recognition options for managers to use with their teams
Of course, none of these features adds value if it is overly complex, so success depends on simplicity. Employee intranets and portals must include a user-friendly interface that can be customized based on individual needs. Intuitive design allows users to quickly and easily tailor their company’s intranet to their unique needs while maintaining its functionality. With a little personalization, your corporate intranet can improve your company culture as well as increase employee engagement and productivity.
Learn how developing a high-level digital workplace strategy can allow your organization to start taking full advantage of the connection between employee engagement and customer satisfaction.
