The Intranet Design Guide
Not sure where to get started in designing your intranet?
Check out our easy step-by-step guide below.
Let us guide you through the process.
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.
IT Intranet: How To Improve Service And Boost Your Profile
In today’s digital workplace, IT departments play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations. However, their contributions often go unnoticed until issues arise. The blog post from MyHub Intranet emphasizes the importance of leveraging an IT intranet to enhance service delivery and boost the department’s internal profile. By integrating automated helpdesk workflows, IT teams can efficiently manage support requests, ensuring timely resolutions and improved user satisfaction.
Furthermore, the article highlights the value of creating a centralized knowledge hub within the intranet. This repository allows employees to access self-service resources, such as troubleshooting guides and how-to videos, reducing dependency on IT staff for routine queries. Additionally, IT professionals can utilize the platform to store internal documentation, project updates, and strategic plans, fostering better collaboration and information sharing within the team.
Effective communication is another critical aspect addressed in the blog. The IT intranet serves as a reliable channel for disseminating important announcements, system updates, and maintenance schedules. By utilizing targeted notifications and instant messaging features, IT departments can ensure that all employees are promptly informed, minimizing disruptions and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Intranet Management Best Practices
Launching an intranet is a significant step toward improving internal communication and collaboration within an organization. However, the true measure of success lies in how effectively the intranet is managed post-launch. A well-maintained intranet requires a clear strategy encompassing content governance, user management, analytics, and ongoing training to remain a valuable asset.
Effective information management is at the heart of a successful intranet. This involves developing a comprehensive content strategy that outlines goals, structures content logically, and establishes clear publishing workflows. Regular content audits, version control, and the use of content calendars ensure that information remains current and relevant, thereby maintaining user trust and engagement.
User management is equally critical, involving the assignment of appropriate permissions, management of user access, and ensuring data security. Analytics play a pivotal role in measuring intranet performance, providing insights into user engagement and content effectiveness. Additionally, continuous onboarding and training programs are essential to equip employees with the necessary skills to utilize the intranet effectively, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Employee Engagement – The Ultimate Definition
Employee engagement is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical component of organizational success. Defined as the emotional commitment an employee has towards their organization and its goals, engagement drives individuals to go above and beyond their basic job responsibilities. Engaged employees are not only more productive but also contribute to a positive workplace culture and higher retention rates.
It’s essential to distinguish employee engagement from related concepts like satisfaction and happiness. While a satisfied employee may be content with their job, they might not be emotionally invested in the company’s mission. Similarly, a happy employee enjoys their work environment but isn’t necessarily driven to contribute beyond their duties. True engagement combines satisfaction, happiness, and a deep-seated commitment to the organization’s success.
To cultivate employee engagement, organizations should focus on clear communication, recognition of achievements, opportunities for professional growth, and fostering a sense of purpose among employees. Implementing these strategies can lead to a more motivated workforce, improved performance, and a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Employee Empowerment: Benefits and Best Practices
Employee empowerment is a strategic approach that grants employees greater autonomy, authority, and access to resources, enabling them to make decisions and contribute meaningfully to organizational success. This practice is closely linked to increased motivation, job satisfaction, and overall performance.
The blog post outlines five key benefits of employee empowerment, like Enhanced Motivation and Engagement (Empowered employees feel trusted and valued, leading to higher levels of motivation and engagement), Boosted Creativity and Innovation (Autonomy encourages employees to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas, fostering a culture of continuous improvement) and Stronger Employer Brand and Higher Retention (Organizations that invest in employee development and empowerment tend to retain talent longer and attract top candidates.)
By implementing empowerment strategies, organizations can create a more agile, committed, and productive workforce. This not only enhances individual performance but also drives overall business success.
How To Deliver Bad News To Employees
Delivering bad news to employees is one of the most challenging tasks managers face, especially during times of economic uncertainty. The blog post emphasizes the importance of preparation, suggesting that managers anticipate potential questions and have clear, honest answers ready. Choosing the right time and setting for the conversation is crucial to ensure the message is received with the intended sensitivity.
The article advises against sugar-coating the message. Instead, managers should be direct and transparent, providing a clear explanation of the reasons behind the decision. It’s essential to allow employees space to process the information, express their emotions, and ask questions. Demonstrating empathy and understanding during this process can help maintain trust and respect.
Furthermore, the blog highlights the importance of supporting the remaining team members after delivering bad news. Open communication channels, such as discussion forums or surveys, can help gauge employee sentiment and address concerns promptly. By handling difficult conversations with care and transparency, managers can navigate challenging situations while preserving team cohesion and morale.
8 Performance Review Tips For Employees
Performance reviews are pivotal moments in an employee’s career, offering opportunities for reflection, feedback, and future planning. The blog post from MyHub Intranet provides eight actionable tips to help employees navigate these evaluations with confidence. By gathering relevant information, such as job descriptions and past objectives, employees can present a comprehensive view of their contributions and growth over the review period.
A key recommendation is the completion of a self-appraisal, encouraging individuals to assess their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This introspective approach not only prepares employees for potential discussions during the review but also demonstrates initiative and self-awareness. Additionally, drafting a preliminary list of goals showcases foresight and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The article emphasizes that performance reviews should be seen as collaborative dialogues rather than one-sided evaluations. By approaching the review with preparation and a proactive mindset, employees can engage in meaningful conversations about their career trajectories, seek constructive feedback, and align their personal goals with organizational objectives.
How to Save Paper: 12 Easy Tips for Efficiency and Sustainability
In today’s digital age, reducing paper usage is not only an eco-friendly choice but also a smart business strategy. The blog post from MyHub Intranet outlines 12 practical tips to help organizations minimize paper waste, cut costs, and improve operational efficiency. These strategies include transitioning to digital approval forms, implementing electronic document storage, and adopting cloud-based collaboration tools.
The article emphasizes the importance of rethinking traditional paper-based processes. By embracing digital solutions, businesses can streamline workflows, reduce the risk of errors, and enhance data security. The shift towards paperless operations also aligns with growing consumer expectations for environmental responsibility, making it a crucial step for companies aiming to build a sustainable brand image.
Moreover, the blog highlights the financial benefits of reducing paper consumption. Organizations can save on printing costs, reduce the need for physical storage space, and lower maintenance expenses associated with paper-based systems. Overall, the post provides a comprehensive guide for businesses looking to adopt more sustainable and efficient practices.
University Intranets: Improving The Employee And Student Experience
Universities are complex ecosystems with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, and administrative staff. Effective communication and collaboration among these groups are crucial for a seamless educational experience. However, many institutions struggle with outdated systems and fragmented information, leading to inefficiencies and frustration.
The blog post highlights the transformative impact of modern intranet solutions in higher education. By centralizing resources, facilitating real-time communication, and integrating with existing tools, intranets address common challenges faced by universities. Features such as knowledge management systems, collaborative workspaces, and mobile accessibility enhance the functionality and user experience of these platforms.
Implementing a modern intranet fosters a more connected and efficient university environment. It empowers students with easy access to learning materials and support services, while enabling staff to collaborate effectively and streamline administrative processes. As a result, universities can enhance engagement, productivity, and satisfaction across their communities.
omniaintranet.com
6 Tips On How To Write A Self-Evaluation
Writing a self-evaluation can be a daunting task for many employees. The blog post from MyHub Intranet offers a structured approach to crafting a compelling self-assessment. It emphasizes the importance of starting early, reflecting on accomplishments, and aligning personal goals with organizational objectives.
The article outlines six practical tips to guide employees through the self-evaluation process. These include giving oneself ample time to prepare, being honest about strengths and areas for improvement, and using specific examples to illustrate points. Additionally, the blog provides example phrases to help articulate achievements and challenges effectively.
By following these guidelines, employees can create self-evaluations that not only highlight their contributions but also demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to growth. This proactive approach can lead to more productive performance reviews and career development discussions.
My Boss Doesn’t Communicate With Me – 10 Smart Ways to Fix It
Effective communication between managers and employees is crucial for organizational success. When a boss fails to communicate adequately, it can lead to confusion, decreased morale, and reduced productivity. The blog post delves into the significant impact of poor managerial communication, highlighting statistics that underscore its detrimental effects on project completion, employee morale, and overall performance.
The article identifies common reasons behind a manager’s lack of communication, such as being new to the role, introversion, being overwhelmed with responsibilities, or simply lacking effective communication skills. Understanding these underlying causes is the first step toward addressing the issue constructively.
To bridge the communication gap, the blog offers ten actionable strategies for employees. These include initiating regular check-ins, seeking clarity through open-ended questions, and providing feedback in a non-confrontational manner. By proactively implementing these approaches, employees can foster better communication with their managers, leading to improved collaboration and a more cohesive work environment.
Interview Template: The Smart Way To Recruit
Conducting interviews without a structured approach can lead to inconsistent evaluations and hiring decisions. The blog post emphasizes the importance of using interview templates to bring uniformity and fairness to the recruitment process. By standardizing interviews, organizations can better compare candidates and make informed hiring choices.
The article provides a step-by-step guide on developing an effective interview template. It starts with clearly defining the role, including job title, department, and key responsibilities. Identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) helps in setting expectations for the role. The template should also include sections to evaluate qualifications, skills, and personality traits relevant to the position.
Implementing a well-crafted interview template not only streamlines the hiring process but also enhances the candidate experience. It ensures that all applicants are assessed on the same criteria, reducing biases and improving the quality of hires. The blog concludes by offering a downloadable interview template that organizations can customize to fit their specific needs.
Intranet Search Engine: How To Find The Right Information Faster
In today’s fast-paced work environment, quick and efficient access to information is crucial. The blog post from MyHub Intranet emphasizes the importance of a powerful intranet search engine in streamlining information retrieval within organizations. Without an effective search function, employees may waste valuable time sifting through irrelevant data, leading to decreased productivity and frustration.
The article delves into understanding employee search intent, highlighting various search behaviors such as specific searches, non-specific searches, author-based searches, and self-generated content searches. Recognizing these patterns allows organizations to tailor their intranet search functionalities to better meet user needs. Additionally, gathering insights through behavior analytics, employee interviews, and surveys can further refine the search experience.
To optimize the intranet search engine, the blog recommends several strategies, including proper content tagging, maintaining consistent naming conventions, and regularly updating metadata. Implementing these best practices ensures that employees can swiftly locate the information they need, thereby enhancing overall organizational efficiency and satisfaction.
Employee Theft: Six Ways To Safeguard Your Business
Employee theft is a significant concern for businesses, leading to substantial financial losses and operational disruptions. The blog post from MyHub Intranet delves into the various forms of employee theft, such as theft of supplies, data breaches, unauthorized use of services, and payroll fraud. Understanding these common types is the first step toward prevention.
The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs, including discrepancies in financial records, missing inventory, and unusual employee behavior. By being vigilant and attentive to these indicators, businesses can identify potential issues early and take corrective action.
To proactively safeguard against employee theft, the blog recommends implementing clear policies, conducting regular audits, utilizing access control systems, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. By adopting these strategies, organizations can create a secure work environment that deters dishonest behavior and promotes integrity.
Sparklight Business
50 Intranet Benefits You Need To Know About
In today’s digital workplace, effective communication and streamlined processes are paramount. The blog post from MyHub Intranet outlines 50 significant benefits of implementing an intranet, emphasizing its role in enhancing internal communication, fostering collaboration, and improving overall productivity.
Key advantages include stronger internal communication through centralized newsfeeds and multimedia capabilities, facilitating two-way communication via blogs and surveys, and personalized content delivery to keep employees engaged. Additionally, intranets serve as a single source of truth, aiding in quick information retrieval and efficient knowledge management.
By breaking down departmental silos and promoting teamwork through dedicated forums and project spaces, intranets not only streamline operations but also cultivate a cohesive organizational culture. Implementing an intranet like MyHub can lead to measurable improvements in employee engagement and operational efficiency.
17 Sure-Fire Ways To Improve Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in both personal and professional realms. The blog post from MyHub Intranet delves into 17 practical strategies to enhance communication skills, emphasizing the importance of clear, concise, and empathetic interactions.
Key techniques highlighted include active listening, where giving full attention to the speaker fosters understanding; seeking feedback through methods like the ‘Start, Continue, Stop’ approach to identify areas of improvement; and being mindful of non-verbal cues such as body language and eye contact, which significantly impact message delivery.
By implementing these strategies, individuals can build stronger relationships, avoid misunderstandings, and convey their ideas more effectively. Continuous practice and self-awareness are essential in mastering the art of communication, leading to improved collaboration and success in various aspects of life.