Blog

April 17, 2024

LumApps vs Staffbase: Choosing the Ultimate Employee Intranet

Blair Williamson

4 minute read

Employee intranets are the lifelines of modern corporate environments, acting as digital command centers where the threads of communication, collaboration, and company culture are intricately woven together.

Enter LumApps and Staffbase, two vendors in the software market for employee intranets, each offering a distinctive set of features. From seamless top-down communication to robust mobile applications, these heavyweights promise a revolution in how your team connects within and beyond workplace walls.

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What is LumApps?

LumApps, named a leading intranet in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Intranet Packaged Solutions, is praised for its end-user experience. Founded in 2012, it is home to more than 7 million active users across 120 countries. This acclaimed platform is a Google Cloud Premier Partner and a business partner with Microsoft.

What is Staffbase?

Established in 2014, Staffbase serves over 1,000 organizations worldwide, empowering more than 10 million employees with its user-centric communication solutions. It's recognized for pioneering features like customizable employee apps and advanced analytics aimed at enhancing employee engagement and operational efficiency.

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Head to Head Comparison: LumApps vs Staffbase Features

In this digital duel, we pit two titans of intranet technology against each other in a series of feature face-offs to assess who stands victorious in the domain of functionality.

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User Interface and Experience

LumApps: The user interface maintains an intuitive elegance, effortlessly navigating the user through a mesh of content and functionalities. It is a design symphony, striking a balance between beauty and utility.

Staffbase: Simplicity is the motto of Staffbase's user interface. It articulates information in a digestible manner, even for the least tech-savvy users, ensuring every employee can easily access and action critical information.

Integration Ecosystem

LumApps: Integration is encoded in LumApps's DNA, with a rich web of native and open APIs connecting disparate business systems. It fosters operational synergy, knitting disparate tools into a collaborative tapestry.

Staffbase: While not as expansive as LumApps, Staffbase's integrations are strategically curated to complement its core features, ensuring that the app fortifies and fits within existing organizational tech stacks.

Mobile Application Dominance

LumApps: The LumApps mobile application is an extension of its desktop platform—a seamless transition where no feature is lost in translation. A unified experience awaits every user, fostering engagement anytime, anywhere.

Staffbase: Mobile is in its name and in its soul. Staffbase's mobile application is tailored to the form and needs of the modern worker, presenting a bouquet of features that resonate with the mobility demands of deskless roles.

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The Deciding Factor

Main Difference between LumApps and Staffbase

The crux of the comparison lies in understanding that LumApps is an Intranet Packaged Solution - meaning it’s an all-in-one platform - while Staffbase is an Employee Communications Management Platform. LumApps is the vehicle of a holistic employee experience, whereas Staffbase emerges as a communication-focused engine.

So which one should you choose: LumApps or Staffbase?

In modern business complexities, LumApps and Staffbase are strong contenders for an employee intranet. The choice is as specific as your business's DNA. Be sure to evaluate both options to see which one best fits your needs. Both platforms are designed with user experience in mind, with intuitive interfaces and navigation. However, LumApps's elegant design and strong support for multi-lingual content could give it a slight edge in ease of onboarding.

Opting for Staffbase
Why Staffbase? If the crux of your enterprise's business operations revolves around mobile functionality and top-down communication, Staffbase is a good choice. Its easy-to-use mobile app, strong profiling, personalized communication capabilities, and robust newsletter tool (courtesy of Bananatag acquisition) make it a compelling option for companies that prioritize these features.

Choosing LumApps
Why LumApps? LumApps promises enterprise-grade CMS capabilities, stronger integrations, and user experience that have positioned it as a leader by analysts Gartner and Forrester. LumApps comes with lots of tools to improve productivity and learning in your office, such as an employee Companion, integrated microlearning, video management, and AI capabilities, plus superior search functionalities.

Book a demo today to see what LumApps can do for you!

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FAQ

How much does Staffbase cost?

Staffbase's pricing is tailored for different business sizes and needs with SMB, Business, and Enterprise plans. While exact pricing isn't always publicly available, reports indicate that plans may start around $30,000 per year, typically for organizations with a minimum of 1,000 employees. This suggests it might be a solution best suited for very large enterprises. For organizations seeking flexible and scalable solutions that can adapt to growth without such a high entry point, LumApps offers a more accessible approach.

What companies use Staffbase?

Staffbase serves a wide range of well-known organizations across various industries. Examples include Adidas, Alaska Airlines, Audi, DHL, Rady Children's Hospital, Sephora, Rite Aid, Daimler Trucks North America, and JBS. These companies leverage Staffbase for employee communication through branded apps, intranets, email, SMS, and digital signage. While Staffbase caters to large enterprises, LumApps also supports a diverse clientele with its connected employee hub, offering tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing workflows.

What is the most popular intranet platform?

Identifying the single "most popular" intranet platform can be complex as different reports and surveys may yield varying results based on the criteria used (e.g., market share, user satisfaction). However, platforms like Microsoft SharePoint are frequently mentioned due to its integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Other leading platforms in 2024-2025 include Simpplr, Unily, Workvivo, and LumApps, all recognized for their comprehensive features and capabilities in employee communication, engagement, and knowledge management. LumApps stands out for its intelligent, user-friendly design and its ability to connect employees to everything they need, fostering a more collaborative and productive workplace.

How to create an intranet?

Creating an intranet involves several key steps:

Define your objectives: Clearly identify what you want your intranet to achieve, such as improved communication, streamlined document management, or enhanced employee engagement.
Assign ownership: Designate a team or individual to oversee the intranet's development and ongoing maintenance.
Build a business case: Justify the investment by outlining the benefits and how it aligns with organizational goals.
Decide how to host the intranet: Choose between a cloud-based or self-hosted solution based on your resources and long-term strategy. LumApps offers a modern, cloud-based solution that is easy to deploy and manage.
Select an intranet software provider: Choose a provider that meets your requirements for scalability, ease of use, mobile access, and integration capabilities. LumApps is a forward-thinking intranet that adapts to how you work and offers extensive integration options.
Plan your intranet structure: Organize the content and features logically with a clear information architecture.
Migrate your content and information: Transfer relevant data and documents to the new intranet.
Roll out your intranet and adapt as necessary: Implement a training plan for your team and continuously gather feedback to make improvements.

How to choose the best intranet?

Choosing the best intranet requires careful consideration of your organization's unique needs. Key factors to evaluate include:

Usability: The platform should be intuitive and user-friendly, requiring minimal training. LumApps is designed with an intelligent and welcoming interface.
Mobile Accessibility: Ensure employees can access the intranet on the go. LumApps provides a future-ready intranet that connects employees wherever they work.
Search Functionality: A robust search feature is crucial for quickly finding information.
Integration Capabilities: The intranet should seamlessly integrate with your existing tools and systems. LumApps offers over 100 connectors to major enterprise platforms.
Customization and Scalability: The platform should be adaptable to your branding and grow with your business. LumApps is a connected employee hub that adapts and grows with you.
Collaboration and Engagement Features: Look for tools that foster teamwork and keep employees connected. LumApps helps build a workplace where teamwork flows and employees feel valued.
Security and Compliance: Ensure the platform meets your organization's security requirements.

How to set up intranet?

Setting up an intranet involves a structured process:

Define your goals and objectives: Determine what you want to achieve with your intranet.
Ask for team input: Gather insights from employees on their needs and pain points.
Research and choose your intranet solution: Select a platform that aligns with your goals and budget. LumApps offers a smarter intranet that adapts to how you work.
Plan your intranet structure and design: Organize the content and create a user-friendly layout.
Migrate your content and information: Transfer essential data to the new platform.
Roll out your intranet: Implement a communication and training plan for your employees.
Gather feedback and iterate: Continuously monitor usage and make adjustments based on user feedback.

What should be on an intranet homepage?

An effective intranet homepage serves as a central hub and should include:

Company News and Announcements: Keep employees informed about important updates. LumApps helps spark innovation by sharing fresh ideas.
Quick Links to Essential Tools and Resources: Provide easy access to frequently used applications and information. LumApps connects employees to everything they need.
Personalized Content: Display information relevant to individual users based on their role or department.
Search Bar: Enable users to quickly find specific information.
Key Metrics and Performance Indicators: Offer a snapshot of important company data.
Employee Directory: Facilitate connections between colleagues.
Upcoming Events and Calendar: Keep employees aware of important dates.
Engaging Visual Elements: Use images and icons to make the page visually appealing. LumApps uses light, bright metaphors to enhance communication.

By focusing on these elements, your intranet homepage can become a valuable tool that enhances communication, collaboration, and productivity, much like the connected and forward-thinking experience LumApps provides.

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