Raising the bar on communication, collaboration, and productivity have been three crucial factors driving change across the post-pandemic remote and hybrid work landscape. Business owners have been actively looking at ways to invest in an intranet that meets the three goals apart from meeting other objectives such as knowledge enhancement and upskilling among their employees. Over time, intranets have mostly been essential static file storage spaces that have evolved into dynamic platforms connecting your workforce anytime, anywhere.
But with an abundance of options available, how do you select the best intranet software for your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the must-have features for intranet software in 2024.
1. A User-Friendly Interface that Drives Communication
A 2020 survey by Deloitte reveals a 20% increase in employee satisfaction and a corresponding 87% increase in employee retention in organizations that implemented user-friendly intranets. A user-friendly interface is one of the key priorities when choosing intranet software. An intuitive user interface is the first impression employees will have of your intranet software. You should look for software that offers customizable layouts, drag-and-drop functionality, and responsive design to ensure a seamless user experience. In this context, communication boards can be a useful feature as they help offer a unified view of your organization, tapping into real-time data and offering useful insights for employees, thus guiding critical decisions.
2. Access Controls for Security
A robust communication dashboard can also be the cornerstone to achieving multiple layers of security. This is to ensure that employees can securely share sensitive business information and perform the required data analysis on the go. Features such as role-based access control, encryption, and regular security audits are non-negotiable. Since organizations frequently collaborate with external partners, vendors, and clients, your intranet software should support guest user access, allowing external stakeholders to join discussions and access shared resources securely.
3. Mobile Accessibility
93% of U.S. employees who own a smartphone and spend at least a third of their time away from a desk use their cell phones for work every day. In today’s fast-paced work environment, employees need access to intranet resources on the go. Your intranet software should be mobile-responsive, allowing employees to access crucial information anytime, anywhere.
4. Video Capabilities to Foster Team Bonding
83% of remote workers feel more connected to their teams when they can participate in video meetings. In 2024, as remote work continues to be a prevalent trend, your intranet software should incorporate video meeting capabilities, facilitating face-to-face interactions regardless of geographical barriers. Research reveals that organizations enabling video meetings have seen a 40% increase in remote worker engagement.
5. Advanced Search Functionality and Employee Directory for Enhanced Collab
Information overload is a common challenge in today’s data-driven work environments. To help employees find what they need quickly, your intranet software should offer robust search functionality. The ideal software should support keyword searches, filters, and predictive search suggestions. Companies with advanced search capabilities report a 35% increase in employee productivity due to reduced time spent searching for information. A robust employee directory ensures employees can easily find and connect with colleagues across various business functions. Studies show that organizations with comprehensive employee directories experience a 15% reduction in time spent searching for colleagues’ contact information.
6. Superior Analytics and Reporting Suite
Data-driven decision-making is crucial for business success. Your intranet software should provide detailed analytics and reporting capabilities. Understand how your employees are engaging with the platform and use this data to refine your internal communications strategy.
Organizations that leverage analytics from their intranet software report a 20% increase in the effectiveness of their internal communications.
7. A Host of Collaboration Tools
Effective collaboration is a cornerstone of modern business. Your intranet should include collaborative features like chat, document sharing, and project management tools. In 2023, 68% of organizations cite improved collaboration as the primary benefit of their intranet.
8. Automation and Workflow Integration for The Win
To streamline processes and reduce manual tasks, your intranet should support automation and workflow integration. Look for features like approval workflows, task automation, and notifications to keep your organization running smoothly.
9. Scalability is the name of the game
As your organization grows, your intranet software should grow with it. Scalability is a vital consideration in 2023, as 80% of companies anticipate growth within the next year. Ensure that your chosen intranet solution can accommodate your future needs without major overhauls. Scalable intranet solutions are 40% more cost-effective in the long run, as they reduce the need for frequent software migrations.
10. Say Yes to Employee Feedback Mechanisms
Listening to your employees is crucial for maintaining a positive workplace culture. Your intranet software should provide tools for collecting feedback, conducting surveys, and monitoring employee sentiment.
11. Flexibility to Customize and Brand
Your intranet should reflect your organization’s unique identity. Customization options, including branding elements like logos, colors, and fonts, allow you to create a cohesive and branded digital workspace. 75% of employees believe that a well-branded intranet improves their sense of belonging and company identity.
Closing Thoughts
Selecting the best intranet software in 2024 demands a meticulous understanding of these essential features: communication boards, employee directory, video meetings, file sharing, mobile app, business phone system, and guest user access. Each of these features contributes significantly to fostering collaboration, improving productivity, and streamlining communication within your organization.
As a leader in your domain, it’s imperative to stay ahead of the curve and leverage the power of modern intranet software. These features aren’t mere technological enhancements; they are strategic tools that can transform your organization’s capabilities. Embrace them, and watch your workforce thrive, your projects excel, and your business reach new heights in 2024 and beyond.
Remember, the best intranet software doesn’t just connect employees; it connects success. So, choose wisely, and pave the way for a brighter future for your organization.
Schedule a demo with InfinCE. Our experts can help you meet your intranet software criteria to its finest detail.
