The global workforce is changing. Companies are looking for ways to make their company more competitive by leveraging talent from anywhere in the world.
A recent UK study by Claromentis reveals that 73% of UK workers want to split their time between remote and office working. This finding calls for companies to ensure they have the right remote team software and environments for their digital workplace.
This article will focus on how employee intranet software can help bridge the gap between the physical office space and the virtual workforce – bringing them together into one cohesive unit with benefits for both sides.
An employee intranet is a private network accessible only to employees of a company. It can include different types of content and applications, such as:
There is no hard and fast rule on what an employee intranet software should include. It all depends on your unique needs and what you want to accomplish. However, when building an employee intranet that a remote workforce will predominantly use, there are a few key components that should be included, namely:
Remote workers derive a host of benefits from having access to a good intranet software platform; these include:
When employees are physically separated, it can be difficult for them to feel engaged with the company and their co-workers. A company intranet can help engage employees by providing a space to connect, share news and information, and participate in discussions. Research has proven time and again that engaged employees are happier and more productive.
According to a recent study by Gallup, the US and Western Europe have the lowest employee engagement levels at just 11%. Company intranets can help organisations increase engagement.
(Image source: employeebenefits.co.uk)
With an effective intranet, remote workers can easily collaborate on projects with team members located elsewhere. This is done through secure file sharing, online chat applications, or by using tools that allow for real-time collaboration on projects.
Company intranets facilitate better internal communication among team members by providing a common platform for exchanging information and ideas. This is especially beneficial for remote workers who may not have the opportunity to interact with others in person regularly. It also encourages connections between staff of all levels of seniority, from frontline workers to the CEO, who otherwise might not have a platform to communicate with each other.
When all the relevant information is made available through the company intranet, it helps promote transparency within the organisation. Remote workers can easily access what they need without going through multiple channels or asking for help.
An effective intranet software helps remote workers get their job done faster. They no longer need to wait for someone else to provide them with the necessary information to do their jobs. For example, you can save your employees from hours of manual work by automating repetitive operational processes using e-forms and workflows software.
All the above culminate in increased productivity and a better bottom line. Productivity is further enhanced by replacing multiple tools with one integrated solution that helps staff avoid constantly switching between multiple apps.
The first step is to begin by conducting a needs assessment to understand your unique requirements. This will help you determine the type of intranet that would be best for your organisation. You can then choose from various software providers who offer ready-made intranet software solutions or get a custom-built intranet designed specifically for your company’s needs.
Whichever route you decide to take, make sure the provider offers good customer support so you can get the most out of your investment.
The benefits an employee intranet bring to remote workers are vast and varied. By taking advantage of these benefits, businesses can improve the employee experience, increase transparency and efficiency, and boost overall productivity.