A modern intranet can be much more than an online directory or an out-of-date staff photograph. Or at least it should be.

So what's holding back your intranet? We take a look at some of the key obstacles to curating a business communication portal to be proud of – and how you can overcome them.

1. Poor user experience

This is often cited as the number one reason why intranets fail to engage. The last thing that busy employees want is to learn another new system for instant messaging or document storage when they log on to the intranet.

You can easily link your favourite storage tools to Workplace using integrations

With Workplace, people use an interface that they're often already familiar with so there's no need for lengthy training. And you can easily link your favourite storage tools to Workplace using integrations.

Take a Microsoft Sharepoint Online folder with key employee information and map it to a Workplace group, for example. Or attach folders from your favourite cloud storage tools such as Box, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive.

Combine Workplace with your existing intranet or use it to replace your intranet altogether

This allows you to combine Workplace with your existing intranet or use it to replace your intranet altogether. Sound too ambitious? Here's how Telenor moved its intranet to Workplace.

2. Lack of interaction

Social collaboration is one of the top intranet trends. So if your intranet isn't facilitating it, you're set up to fail. Workplace Chat is the ideal social tool for cultivating a more united company.

People already know how to use it and it's packed with rich features such as emojis, GIFs and stickers. These tools help them communicate in ways they're used to so they can collaborate more effectively.

GiFs and emojis help people to collaborate more effectively

You can also set up people's profiles to give reminders of employees' birthdays and work anniversaries. This gives people the opportunity to engage, to congratulate each other and build a sense of community.

3. Irrelevant information

Your intranet will hold a wealth of company information, but not everyone wants or needs to know everything. So how do you avoid users having to wade through mountains of irrelevant information to find what's meaningful for them?

Workplace Groups and News Feed serve users content that's tailored to their specific needs and interests, which engages people straight away and keeps them coming back for more.

It also makes sure that everyone in your organisation receives the most important company communications without missing anything.

Illumina is just one company using Workplace Groups on its intranet to help reduce noise and allow people to see the information that's relevant to them.

4. Difficult directories

Finding the details of people in the organisation is a major reason for using an intranet. But many directories can be confusing, difficult to use and out of date.

Workplace People Directory allows users to find coworkers fast, and features personalised profiles that facilitate deeper connections between coworkers.

Workplace People Directory features personalised profiles for deeper connections between coworkers

5. Desktop default

With increased mobile and remote working, an intranet that's designed for use just within the organisation won't engage.

Workplace is mobile-first, so everyone can access it wherever they are. You don't even need a company email address – an employee ID will do.

So if you're using Workplace as your intranet, you can create connections and communities for everyone in your organisation.

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