The Intranet Design Guide
Not sure where to get started in designing your intranet?
Check out our easy step-by-step guide below.
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Intranet Design Made Simple
Deciding to go ahead with an intranet was the easy part, right? After all, whether it’s improved communications, more streamlined processes, or easier access to information, the intranet ticks all the boxes.
However, designing your intranet can be a daunting task.
There are many decisions to be made around the type of intranet, hosting options, organization, structure, plus content, and design. With so much to think about, it can be tough to get started.
And if technology isn’t really your thing, it can be even harder to kick-start your intranet. That’s where this intranet design guide comes into play.
So, if widget, cache, and malware sound like another language, then this guide is for you! Written in simple-to-understand and jargon-free terms, the design guide is non-technical. And where technical language is unavoidable, we clearly define what we mean.
This guide will show you that designing an intranet is a simple task. In fact, it’s so easy, you won’t need IT backup or a college degree in computers!
Click here to download this guide in PDF format
Step-By-Step Intranet Design Support
The guide is a comprehensive resource, covering everything you need to know about intranets. We provide helpful insights at every stage, from different intranet types and hosting options to security and training.
And we also look at all the latest intranet design best practices. This resource includes lots of practical examples and visuals that will excite and inspire you.
What’s Included In This Intranet Design Guide
Who Should Read This Guide
The design guide is an essential resource for anyone planning to implement a new intranet. It’s also required reading if you are looking to revitalize, revamp, or refresh an existing intranet.
Perhaps you are in the market for an intranet provider to help you realize your vision. The design guide can help you make a winning selection.
Written for the non-technical person, this resource will also support HR or Marketing staff tasked with implementing an intranet.
Why Intranet Design Is So Important
Before we move on, it’s essential to understand why intranet design is so important.
Your intranet’s overall look and feel has the power to grab users’ attention and draw them in. It can spark creativity and foster collaboration. It can connect employees and turn the everyday task into something engaging and fun.
However, the stakes are high. A poorly designed intranet will have the opposite effect. A confusing, overloaded, and ugly intranet will see staff switch off. It’s a wasted opportunity as well as investment.
With so much to lose, getting your intranet design right has to be a priority.
No Two Intranets Are Alike
When it comes to design, there is no one-size-fits-all intranet solution. Sure, there will be similarities. It could be layout, functionality, or scope. However, every organization is different, and so too is their intranet.
Furthermore, staff members will use the intranet differently depending on their job roles and team functions.
Employees use the intranet mainly to source information or collaborate with colleagues. Managers, however, use the intranet to engage workers with targeted communications.
Your intranet design needs to satisfy all the varying needs of employees.
And it also needs to meet the challenges of the modern digital workplace.
The global Covid-19 pandemic has fast-tracked the shift towards remote working. Companies have to pivot and rethink how they engage with their workforce in today’s rapidly changing environment.
And they need to ensure employees have the tools available to remain productive even when working from home.
A mobile intranet is a minimum requirement. In fact, it’s not so much a requirement as an expectation. Whether staff are on the go or working from home, they expect to continue working.
Versatile and flexible, the intranet is capable of meeting these competing demands. And your intranet design should make this vision a reality.
Intranet Templates Make Design Easy
And if you are pushed for time, then intranet design templates could be the perfect solution. This guide takes you through all you need to know.
In short, intranet templates come with in-built coding plus a basic design and graphics. The setup wizard makes it quick and easy to implement your customized intranet. Upload your logo, branding, and corporate colors to really put your company stamp on the intranet. And the good news is the intranet provider has already extensively tested the functionality. And that’s one less major headache for you to worry about.
Therefore, design templates are a popular choice if you need to get your intranet up and running quickly.
Let Us Guide You
Use this guide to make your intranet deployment a smoother and quicker process.
Essential reading for those starting to deploy an intranet, this resource will also help businesses looking to revamp an existing intranet.
Either way, we understand the challenges that are involved. And you get the benefit of our experience as we guide you through the process from beginning to end.
So, let’s get started.
Intranet Design Infographic
If you would like an overview of our intranet design guide, we have created a PDF infographic file summarizing the main points available here.
Further Reading
This further reading list will be an invaluable resource as it takes you through everything you need to know. We give you the benefit of our considerable experience in developing intranets and provide simple, easy-to-follow explanations, insights and advice.
Use this list to explore the latest intranet design best practice principles. Find out how pre-built intranet templates could well be the solution every time-pressed business owner is looking for. Discover how to ensure your intranet design is mobile friendly and optimized for use on smartphones and tablets. And learn about how to make your intranet interactive and fun so that users readily engage with the platform making for a more efficient and effective workplace.
These are just some of the insights available in this category so why not have a browse or use the search functionality to explore more about intranet design. With our comprehensive knowledge bank, you’ll soon discover that designing an intranet isn’t the mammoth task that perhaps you first thought it was.
CEO Blog: Mastering Communication with Staff and Clients
In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication from leadership is more crucial than ever. A CEO blog provides a powerful internal communication tool that connects employees directly with top leadership. By regularly publishing transparent and engaging content, CEOs can bridge gaps in understanding, strengthen trust, and cultivate a sense of inclusion across all levels of the organization.
Beyond simple messaging, a CEO blog also plays a vital role in reinforcing company values and culture. It creates a platform to celebrate achievements, explain strategic changes, and align the team with business objectives. With the added ability to invite two-way conversations via comments or polls, it becomes a dynamic channel that promotes openness and fosters collaboration.
To ensure long-term success, CEOs should focus on authenticity, consistency, and accessibility. Whether you’re sharing personal reflections or important company updates, an authentic voice resonates more deeply with staff and clients alike. Hosting your blog on the company intranet ensures easy access, while short, regular posts keep engagement high. The result? Stronger leadership presence, a more connected team, and a thriving organizational culture.
Employee Motivation Uncovered: Discover What Inspires Your Team
In today’s business landscape, employee motivation is more than a feel-good concept—it’s a vital strategy for improving productivity, engagement, and overall company performance. This blog post explores why understanding what drives your team is essential and debunks the myth that money is the only motivator. Instead, it emphasizes how recognition, purpose, and autonomy play a central role in unlocking potential.
The article breaks motivation down into a practical framework: Recognition, Responsibility, Growth, and Rewards. It offers actionable strategies for each element, including implementing low-cost recognition programs, empowering employees through decision-making, and using intranet tools to support learning and innovation. Real-life data and studies from Gallup and McKinsey reinforce the impact of these approaches on performance and profitability.
Finally, the blog shows how companies can scale these efforts using modern tools like company intranets. From launching employee-driven idea hubs to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the post provides a roadmap for any organization looking to invest in employee motivation as a strategic differentiator.
8 Top Performance Review Tips For Managers
Performance reviews are an essential part of managerial duties, but many managers struggle to make them meaningful and productive. In this blog post, we explore eight top performance review tips that help managers conduct effective evaluations. From shifting your perspective from judge to coach, to preparing thoroughly for each meeting, the article emphasizes the importance of clear communication and ongoing feedback throughout the year. The tips aim to enhance both the employee’s experience and the manager’s effectiveness.
Key strategies highlighted include gathering 360-degree feedback, creating a comfortable and distraction-free environment, and delivering balanced feedback that acknowledges achievements while addressing areas for growth. Managers are also encouraged to share review materials in advance, set clear goals during the meeting, and schedule regular follow-ups to track progress. These actions help create a transparent, collaborative process that benefits both the employee and the organization.
Ultimately, the goal of performance reviews is not just to evaluate performance but to foster growth and motivation. By implementing these tips, managers can ensure that reviews are not a dreaded task but an opportunity for development and mutual success. Incorporating regular check-ins and setting achievable goals ensures continuous improvement, leading to higher engagement and retention within teams.
Mindfulness In The Workplace: Practical Ways To Introduce It
Mindfulness in the workplace is gaining popularity, with major companies like Google and Nike adopting mindfulness practices to boost employee well-being and productivity. At its core, mindfulness means staying present and focused, avoiding distractions from past or future concerns. This approach helps employees concentrate on the task at hand, reduce stress, and enhance overall performance. The concept stems from Buddhist teachings but has evolved into a powerful tool for modern professionals.
The benefits of mindfulness in the workplace are wide-ranging. It builds resilience, strengthens emotional intelligence, boosts creativity, and enhances personal relationships between colleagues. Employees who practice mindfulness are better able to manage stress and improve focus, leading to better work quality and healthier work dynamics. Mindfulness encourages an empathetic, innovative, and resilient workforce, improving both individual and team performance.
To successfully introduce mindfulness in the workplace, employers should start by incorporating small, manageable practices. Simple exercises like mindful breathing or offering a quiet space for meditation can make a big difference. Ensuring that mindfulness is optional and not mandatory is key to its success, as forcing participation can lead to resistance. By creating a supportive environment for mindfulness, businesses can foster a more balanced and productive workforce.
Employee Self-Service Portals: More Than Just A HR Resource
Employee self-service portals (ESS) have evolved beyond basic HR functions to become essential tools that streamline business processes and empower employees. Initially used for accessing HR records and payroll, these portals now support a range of operational tasks such as managing expenses, tracking professional development, and facilitating remote work. With a user-friendly interface and 24/7 accessibility, ESS portals not only enhance productivity but also improve employee satisfaction and morale.
The versatility of these portals extends to various multimedia formats, including how-to videos, webinars, and FAQs, making information more accessible and engaging. They also simplify everyday business operations like submitting holiday requests or professional development forms, reducing administrative overhead. These features free up HR staff to focus on more strategic tasks while ensuring employees can independently manage routine processes.
Beyond HR, ESS portals are especially beneficial in onboarding new employees. By providing a centralized hub with tailored resources, new hires can quickly access relevant information and complete necessary tasks. This leads to a smoother integration into the company, accelerating productivity from day one. ESS portals are not only cost-effective for small businesses but also scale seamlessly as companies grow, ensuring they remain a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes.
Simple Workflow: Speedy and Accurate Business Processes
In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations often rely on outdated paper and email systems for essential processes like requests, approvals, and information gathering. These methods are prone to human error, delays, and inefficiencies. Simple automated workflows, powered by intranet solutions, can replace these cumbersome systems, offering faster, more accurate ways to handle routine tasks such as leave requests, expense claims, and marketing materials development.
A simple workflow involves the use of online forms that collect necessary data and automatically route it to the appropriate department or staff member. The benefits of implementing such a system are numerous. Speed is dramatically increased as staff no longer need to search for physical forms or chase information. Accuracy is enhanced by collecting all required details upfront and eliminating the risk of misplaced requests or duplicate actions. With automated notifications and status updates, managers can oversee workflows efficiently and intervene when necessary.
Implementing a simple workflow doesn’t require expert technical knowledge, and staff can easily set up and manage forms through user-friendly tools. The system also offers customization, allowing businesses to tailor workflows to their specific needs, such as setting approval levels or notifying the relevant teams when action is required. With increased efficiency and improved resource utilization, adopting an intranet-based simple workflow is a game-changer for any organization looking to streamline its operations.
Intranet Solution For Game Developers: The Easy Choice
The blog post highlights the increasing need for operational efficiency in the competitive game development industry. While developers naturally focus on creativity and coding, poor communication or disorganized workflows can hinder success. A cloud-based intranet offers a powerful solution—supporting flexible, remote work and consolidating all project files, communication threads, and assets into one centralized system.
Collaboration is at the core of modern game development. Whether it’s working with freelance designers or audio engineers, managing feedback loops and staying organized can be overwhelming across multiple tools. The intranet simplifies this by offering project-specific workspaces, real-time editing with tools like G Suite and Microsoft 365, and seamless file-sharing—all in one digital hub. This allows for faster progress and less confusion.
Finally, the post emphasizes how a scalable cloud intranet future-proofs your studio. SaaS pricing makes it accessible for indie developers while offering room to grow. With instant setup, predictable costs, and no technical overhead, it’s an ideal business infrastructure choice for any game developer wanting to stay focused on building great games—without compromising on organization or growth potential.
Mental Health At Work: Why Employee Wellness Is Important
Mental health in the workplace is a critical issue that can have a profound impact on productivity, absenteeism, and overall company culture. Studies show that depression alone costs the US economy over $91 billion annually in lost productivity, and issues like anxiety and burnout can further elevate these costs. Mental health challenges are just as serious as physical health concerns, yet employees often face stigma or lack of understanding when it comes to seeking help. Employers have a vital role in addressing mental health by promoting a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their struggles.
Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health involves removing stigma, fostering open communication, and supporting a healthy work-life balance. Employers can empower managers with the right tools to recognize and manage mental health issues, and encourage employees to disconnect from work outside office hours. A healthy work-life balance, where employees are encouraged to take time off when needed, is crucial in preventing burnout and maintaining overall well-being.
To further support mental health, employers can utilize internal resources like intranet portals to share wellness information, provide mental health tools, and ensure employees have access to necessary resources. These initiatives not only improve individual health but contribute to a more engaged and productive workforce. By prioritizing employee wellness, businesses can create an inclusive, supportive workplace that helps employees thrive while boosting company success.
Startup Intranets: Six Reasons Why Your Company Needs One
Many startups might think that an intranet is a luxury reserved for large corporations, but the truth is, a cloud-based intranet can provide startups with a competitive advantage from day one. By streamlining communication, managing information, and offering seamless integration with tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365, an intranet helps startups stay organized and efficient. It provides a single platform for collaboration, making it easy for remote workers to stay connected and for information to be shared across the team in real-time.
An intranet also offers invaluable benefits beyond organization. By providing 24/7 access, the cloud-based platform ensures that startup founders and employees can stay on top of tasks and updates from anywhere, whether they’re working from home, a coffee shop, or traveling. Additionally, having an intranet in place signals professionalism to potential investors and new hires, boosting confidence in the company’s long-term viability and organizational structure.
The flexibility of a startup intranet is another key advantage. It can scale alongside the business, adding new pages, modules, or functionalities as needed. This adaptability, combined with cost-effective monthly subscriptions, ensures that the intranet grows with your startup without unforeseen costs. By establishing efficient communication and collaboration from the outset, a startup intranet helps foster a strong company culture, setting the foundation for future success.
Connecting Logistics Staff With A Company Intranet
Logistics companies are essential to the US economy, managing the transportation and warehousing of goods. With large teams often working remotely, staying connected to headquarters is vital. A mobile-optimized company intranet offers a powerful solution, allowing remote workers to access important updates, job schedules, and safety bulletins from anywhere. This seamless connection helps reduce isolation and enhances communication between employees in the field and head office.
In addition to improving connectivity, a company intranet offers significant benefits for logistics operations. It supports real-time reporting, allowing personnel to share updates on deliveries, freight volumes, and schedules instantly. The cloud-based platform integrates Google Apps and offers self-service features, such as filing maintenance requests or completing forms, streamlining business processes and saving time. This makes the intranet an invaluable tool for improving efficiency and reducing reliance on outdated paper or email systems.
The intranet also provides a platform for employee development, offering remote training options to staff without requiring them to leave their jobs. Employees can access training materials at their convenience, saving the company money on travel and venue costs. The self-service features further empower employees, reducing the workload of head office staff and enabling more focus on core business activities. Ultimately, a mobile company intranet offers a comprehensive solution for connecting remote workers and enhancing operational efficiency.
20 Tips To Improve Communi-
cations In The Workplace
Effective workplace communication remains one of the most important—and most challenging—aspects of organizational success. While technology continues to offer new tools, the human element, such as active listening and face-to-face meetings, still plays a crucial role. The article begins by highlighting how businesses can benefit from a communication audit to understand what channels are currently used and where improvements can be made.
The post dives into 20 practical tips that cover every angle of internal communication—from using mobile-friendly intranet software to establishing regular one-on-one meetings. It also emphasizes the importance of two-way communication, where employee feedback is valued and encouraged. Organizations are encouraged to develop a communications strategy, train managers in essential communication skills, and design office layouts that promote collaboration.
Throughout the article, real-world case studies from companies like Kenect Recruitment and Idaho State Lottery demonstrate how implementing the right tools and strategies can drastically improve communication across all levels of the business. Whether you’re leading a remote team or trying to break down silos between departments, these tips provide a comprehensive roadmap for turning communication challenges into opportunities for growth.
10 Powerful Leadership Tips to Keep Your Skills Sharp
Are leaders born or made? While some individuals naturally embody leadership traits like courage, empathy, and decisiveness, leadership is also a skill that can—and should—be continuously developed. Even the most experienced leaders must evolve in order to stay effective in today’s dynamic work environments. This blog post begins by outlining five core leadership competencies: honesty and integrity, effective communication, leading by example, decisiveness with flexibility, and empowering through delegation.
Building on this foundation, the post presents ten actionable tips to help leaders of all levels grow. From finding a mentor and enhancing project management abilities to prioritizing employee engagement and encouraging team-wide contributions, these strategies promote personal and organizational success. Leaders are also encouraged to seek feedback, stay visible, and not shy away from asking for help—reminders that even strong leadership can be humble and collaborative.
The article concludes with a strong call to action: to embrace leadership as a continuous journey. It highlights how tools like MyHub’s intranet platform can support leadership efforts by enhancing communication, collaboration, and engagement. Ultimately, staying sharp as a leader is less about perfection and more about consistent, intentional growth.
Cultural Audits: How To Assess Your Workplace Culture
Workplace culture plays a crucial role in shaping employee engagement, organizational behavior, and long-term business success. Yet many leaders struggle to define or evaluate their company’s culture in a structured way. This blog post introduces the concept of cultural audits—systematic evaluations that help identify whether a company’s culture aligns with its values and strategic goals.
The article breaks down the audit process into three stages: assessment, analysis, and recommendations. It outlines practical tools like focus groups, staff surveys, and document reviews, which help uncover both visible and hidden aspects of company culture. It also provides sample audit questions to guide internal reviews and elicit honest feedback from employees and stakeholders.
By conducting regular cultural audits, organizations gain actionable insights that can drive positive change. Whether performed internally or with the help of external consultants, cultural audits offer a clear roadmap to building a healthier, more inclusive, and performance-driven workplace. The post concludes with a call to action encouraging businesses to embrace cultural audits as part of their ongoing development strategy.
Exit Interview Forms: How To Obtain Actionable Information
Exit interviews are often overlooked, but they’re a critical tool for understanding why employees leave and how your company can improve. When conducted with care and consistency, they offer unique insights into company culture, communication gaps, management issues, and more. Because exiting employees tend to be more candid, their feedback can uncover hidden problems that affect engagement and retention.
The key to unlocking this value is structure. Using a standardized exit interview form keeps conversations focused and productive while ensuring data is comparable across interviews. The blog outlines the ideal form structure, tips for gathering honest feedback, and sample questions that cover everything from relationships with managers to reasons for leaving. Offering anonymous or third-party-led interviews can also help employees open up.
But collecting data is just the beginning. The real power lies in analyzing trends and taking action. The article stresses the importance of reviewing and sharing feedback with leadership and the broader team to close the loop. When employees see that feedback leads to change, trust and engagement grow—creating a workplace where fewer people want to leave in the first place.
Hospitality Intranets: Keeping Open The Lines Of Communication
Internal communication in the hospitality industry is notoriously difficult. With shift-based schedules, high staff turnover, and minimal overlap between employees, it’s easy for crucial information to fall through the cracks. This blog post outlines how a hospitality intranet helps resolve these issues by centralizing updates, schedules, and company documents in one accessible platform.
Key benefits include enhanced access to real-time announcements, easier management of compliance documents, and flexible staff training. With tools like digital rosters, online forms, and training modules, hospitality teams can stay aligned no matter their hours. This supports better teamwork, fewer misunderstandings, and more streamlined operations.
Ultimately, a well-implemented hospitality intranet empowers staff with the tools they need to perform their roles effectively. It also reduces the admin burden on managers and boosts customer satisfaction by ensuring every team member is informed and prepared — whether it’s a live music night or a last-minute shift change.