Article
August 1, 2025

Corporate Intranet: Definitions & 10 Reasons Why You Need It

Camille Christ
7 minute read

A corporate intranet serves as your organization's secure internal website and digital nerve center. As we move into 2025, modern intranets have evolved beyond simple document repositories into comprehensive platforms that function as a single source of truth for your entire workforce. In this guide, we'll explore essential intranet features, integration capabilities with platforms like Microsoft 365, implementation strategies, and frequently asked questions about creating a secure network that connects employees regardless of location—transforming how your teams collaborate, communicate, and access critical information.

What is a corporate intranet?

Corporate Intranet Definition

A corporate intranet is an internal website accessible to company management and employees. Unlike the internet, which is public and available to anyone, an intranet is a private network restricted to authorized users within an organization. The company's physical server may host the website. In many cases, corporate intranet solutions are cloud-based models.

The primary function of the intranet is to organize the information each employee needs to perform their work and ensure it is readily available. It also allows data to be easily shared internally between everyone working for the company, regardless of location. Learn more about an employee-focused approach in our dedicated guide to the employee intranet.

Corporate Intranet Features

A highly effective corporate intranet functions as an internal social network, connecting users to share relevant content and collaborate efficiently. Modern intranets prioritize ease of use, secure access, and mobile functionality to support today's digital workplace needs.

Corporate intranet examples may include the following:

  • Page Builder: A page builder tool to generate individual onboarding pages for new hires is essential. It will be used to update the company intranet pages when employees reach career milestones.
  • Company Directory: It is difficult for all employees to know each other personally in an enterprise company. The intranet allows users to search for colleagues by name, job title, department, and location. The user can find the contact information and a brief biography in the search results.
  • Search Function: The intranet should include a search function so users don't waste time looking for templates of commonly used documents, such as contracts, reports, case studies, etc. The search function should show users whether the document they seek is in an email attachment or a file in the content management system (CMS).
  • Company News Feed: The company-wide news feed keeps everyone informed of company and industry events.
  • Mobile Access: Today's intranets offer secure mobile applications that allow employees to access critical information from anywhere, supporting remote and hybrid work models.
  • Secure Network: Modern intranets implement end-to-end encryption, single sign-on capabilities, and permission controls to protect sensitive company information.

Evolution toward Modern Intranet and Employee Experience

At one time, an intranet was an internal website used for employee communication. It was mainly used for top-down communication: Executives or the Human Resources Department would use it to make announcements to employees, including vacation and leave of absence policies. Individual departments posted company news as features on the intranet, including changes within the company, new hires, etc.

The shift from legacy intranets to modern intranets represents a fundamental transformation in workplace technology. While legacy systems were static repositories with limited functionality, modern intranets adapt to how people work today, offering interactive experiences and personalized content delivery.

In the last decade, corporate intranet software started to change. Employees would see the intranet homepage when they logged into the company system. Collaboration with other employees began to play a more significant role in employees' work. Staff was now expected to search for documents they needed electronically instead of looking them up in a filing cabinet.

The traditional intranet has been transformed into a digital workplace. Whereas previously, you would look up a colleague's phone number externally, now your intranet can list the correct handle on Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams.

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Importance of Tech Stack and Integration

Each company needs to address software development as technology continues to advance. Companies use software to manage their intranet platforms. They must keep up with technological advancements to automate and improve their operations. Software functionality and scalability depend on the tech stack the development team uses. Choosing the best technology stack option means the software application will satisfy most employees' needs now and in the future.

Modern intranet platforms emphasize seamless integration with productivity suites like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. These integrations allow employees to access all their essential tools from a central hub, eliminating the need to switch between applications. For Microsoft users, this means direct access to SharePoint, Teams, and other Microsoft applications. Google Workspace users benefit from integration with Gmail, Drive, and Calendar, creating a unified digital workplace experience.

The right intranet platform should serve as the foundation of your digital workplace strategy, connecting all your business applications while maintaining security and providing an intuitive user experience across all devices.

Best Intranet Platforms: SharePoint & Modern Alternatives

In today's digital workplace, selecting the right intranet platform can significantly impact employee productivity, collaboration, and overall business value. With numerous options available, organizations must carefully evaluate their needs against what each platform offers.

SharePoint intranet strengths & gaps

SharePoint continues to be a dominant player in the intranet space, particularly for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. As a mature platform with decades of development behind it, SharePoint offers several compelling advantages.

The primary strength of SharePoint lies in its document management capabilities, which integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications. For companies heavily reliant on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, this native integration creates a fluid workflow. SharePoint also connects with various CRM and ERP systems, extending its functionality beyond basic intranet features.

However, the SharePoint intranet experience comes with notable limitations. Organizations frequently cite complex customization requirements, which often necessitate developer support and specialized technical knowledge. The platform's steep learning curve can hinder adoption, particularly among less tech-savvy employees. Additionally, while the initial licensing may seem straightforward, hidden costs often emerge during implementation and maintenance phases.

For organizations with limited IT resources or those seeking a more intuitive user experience, SharePoint's complexity may outweigh its benefits, making modern alternatives worth considering.

Cloud-native intranet platforms for businesses

The intranet landscape has evolved significantly with the emergence of cloud-native solutions designed specifically for modern workplace needs. Platforms like LumApps, Unily, and Simpplr offer compelling alternatives to traditional SharePoint implementations.

LumApps stands out with its robust content management capabilities and intuitive WYSIWYG editors that make content creation accessible to non-technical users. Built on reliable cloud infrastructure (AWS/GCP), LumApps delivers excellent performance and scalability for growing organizations.

Unily positions itself as an employee experience platform that connects, informs, and engages employees through meaningful digital experiences. Its focus on user experience and modern design principles makes it particularly appealing to organizations prioritizing employee engagement.

Simpplr offers a straightforward, user-friendly interface that emphasizes ease of use. However, being built on Salesforce rather than AWS or GCP, some organizations report challenges with the platform if they lack Salesforce expertise.

Platform Cost Ease of Use Mobile Access Key Strength Limitation
SharePoint $5-10/user/month + implementation Complex Limited native app Document management Requires technical expertise
LumApps $3-8/user/month Intuitive Full-featured app Content management Higher tier pricing for advanced features
Unily $4-9/user/month User-friendly Comprehensive app Employee experience Implementation complexity
Simpplr $4-8/user/month Straightforward Good mobile app Simplicity Salesforce dependency

Choosing the right intranet solution for your organization

Selecting the optimal intranet platform requires a systematic evaluation based on your organization's specific needs and circumstances. Begin by defining clear objectives for your intranet, such as improving internal communications, enhancing knowledge sharing, or streamlining workflows.

Scalability should be a primary consideration, particularly for growing businesses. Your chosen platform must accommodate increasing user numbers and content volume without performance degradation. Integration capabilities with existing tools like HR systems, CRMs, and productivity suites are equally crucial for creating a cohesive digital workplace.

Mobile access has become non-negotiable in today's workplace, with over 64% of internet traffic coming from mobile devices in 2025. Evaluate each platform's mobile experience, including app functionality, offline access, and responsive design.

Cost structures vary significantly between platforms. While per-user pricing typically ranges from $2-10 monthly depending on organization size, implementation costs can substantially impact your total investment. Organizations with 5,000+ employees often secure the most favorable rates ($2-4 per user monthly), while smaller companies typically pay in the $4-10 range.

User experience remains paramount for adoption success. Prioritize platforms with intuitive interfaces that require minimal training. Conduct small-scale pilot tests with representative user groups before full deployment to identify potential adoption barriers.

Finally, consider vendor support and community resources. The availability of training, documentation, and responsive technical support can significantly influence your implementation success and long-term satisfaction with the platform.

By methodically evaluating these criteria against your organization's specific requirements, you can select an intranet platform that delivers genuine business value while enhancing the employee experience.

Key Corporate Intranet Features and Design Best Practices

A modern corporate intranet is more than just an internal website—it's a dynamic digital workplace that connects employees, streamlines processes, and enhances productivity. As we move into 2025, intranet platforms have evolved significantly to meet the changing needs of today's distributed workforce. Let's explore the essential components, design considerations, and measurement strategies that make for an effective corporate intranet.

Must-have intranet site components

The foundation of any successful intranet site lies in its core features. These components ensure your intranet serves as a central hub for communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Here's a checklist of 10 essential features your corporate intranet should include:

  • Customizable homepage: Personalized dashboards that adapt to individual roles and preferences, displaying relevant content and tools
  • Robust search functionality: Advanced search capabilities with filters to help employees quickly find documents, people, and information
  • Document management system: Centralized repository for storing, organizing, and sharing files with version control
  • Employee directory: Comprehensive staff profiles with contact information, skills, departments, and locations
  • News and announcements: Corporate communications hub for sharing company updates, achievements, and important information
  • Collaboration tools: Spaces for team collaboration, project management, and knowledge sharing
  • Mobile accessibility: Responsive design that works seamlessly across devices, including a dedicated mobile app
  • Security and compliance features: Access controls, encryption, and audit logs to protect sensitive information
  • Integration capabilities: Connections with existing workplace tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other business applications
  • Analytics dashboard: Tools for measuring engagement, content performance, and user behavior
Feature Employee Benefit
Personalized content Reduces information overload by showing only relevant updates
Instant messaging Enables quick communication and reduces email volume
Knowledge base Provides self-service access to information, reducing support tickets
Social features Builds community and improves employee engagement
Task management Streamlines workflow and improves productivity

These components work together to create an intranet that delivers valuable insights while supporting daily work activities. When properly implemented, they transform the intranet from a static information repository into a dynamic collaboration platform.

Intranet portal UX & navigation

The user experience of your intranet portal directly impacts adoption rates and overall effectiveness. Even the most feature-rich intranet will fail if employees find it difficult to navigate or unintuitive to use. Here are key considerations for optimizing your intranet UX:

A well-designed navigation structure is crucial for helping users find what they need quickly. Modern intranets typically employ a combination of horizontal top-level navigation and contextual menus that adapt based on the user's role or department. This approach ensures that employees can access relevant information without wading through irrelevant content.

Internal communications benefit significantly from intuitive navigation. When designing your intranet's UX, consider implementing:

  • Mega menus: Expansive dropdown menus that organize content into logical categories
  • Search-first approach: Prominent search functionality that anticipates user needs
  • Task-based navigation: Organizing content around common employee tasks rather than departmental silos
  • Breadcrumb trails: Helping users understand their location within the intranet structure
  • Instant messaging integration: Embedded communication tools that facilitate quick exchanges without leaving the platform

Remember that navigation should be consistent across all areas of your intranet. This consistency builds familiarity and confidence, reducing the learning curve for new users and making the entire experience more intuitive.

For frontline workers or employees who primarily access the intranet via mobile devices, consider a simplified navigation structure that prioritizes the most frequently used features and information.

Modern intranet design examples

Looking at successful implementations can provide inspiration for your own intranet design. Here are some noteworthy approaches from different industries:

Manufacturing companies face unique challenges in connecting office staff with frontline workers. Modern manufacturing intranets often feature safety-first designs with prominent access to training materials, compliance documentation, and emergency procedures. They typically include visual dashboards displaying production metrics and quality indicators.

For example, some manufacturing organizations have implemented intranets with multilingual interfaces to support diverse workforces across global operations. These designs prioritize visual communication through icons, infographics, and video content to overcome language barriers and technical knowledge gaps.

Financial services firms, by contrast, often implement intranets with sophisticated knowledge management systems and secure document repositories. Their designs typically emphasize compliance and information security while providing powerful search capabilities.

Healthcare organizations focus on clinical workflows and patient information access, with designs that support rapid information retrieval in time-sensitive situations.

Regardless of industry, successful modern intranet designs share common characteristics:

  • Clean, uncluttered interfaces with ample white space
  • Consistent branding that reflects company culture
  • Visual hierarchy that guides users to important information
  • Responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes
  • Accessibility features that ensure all employees can use the platform effectively

For more inspiration and detailed examples specific to manufacturing environments, explore these intranet design case studies from industry leaders.

Measuring intranet engagement and ROI

Implementing an intranet represents a significant investment, so it's essential to measure its impact on your organization. Effective measurement helps justify the investment and identify opportunities for improvement.

Start by establishing clear baseline metrics before launching or redesigning your intranet. This provides a point of comparison for measuring improvements. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for intranet ROI typically fall into several categories:

Engagement metrics:

  • Active users (daily, weekly, monthly)
  • Content creation and contribution rates
  • Comments, likes, and social interactions
  • Time spent on the platform
  • Adoption rates across departments

Efficiency metrics:

  • Reduction in email volume
  • Time saved searching for information
  • Decrease in duplicate work
  • Faster onboarding times
  • Reduced support tickets

Business impact metrics:

  • Employee satisfaction scores
  • Knowledge retention rates
  • Reduction in operational costs
  • Improved collaboration outcomes
  • Enhanced innovation through idea sharing

Beyond quantitative metrics, collect qualitative feedback through surveys, focus groups, and user interviews. This provides context for the numbers and helps identify specific pain points or opportunities.

Many organizations are now implementing regular "pulse surveys" to gauge employee sentiment about the intranet and gather suggestions for improvement. These short, frequent surveys provide timely insights that can guide ongoing optimization efforts.

Remember that intranet ROI often compounds over time as adoption increases and workflows become more efficient. Be patient with your measurement approach and look for trends rather than focusing on short-term fluctuations.

By continuously measuring and optimizing your intranet based on data and user feedback, you can ensure it remains a valuable asset that supports your organization's goals and enhances the employee experience.

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10 Reasons Why a Corporate Intranet is Important for Companies and Employees

The following 10 corporate intranet ideas explain why deploying an intranet solution will benefit players on both sides of the desk: the business and its staff. Please read below to discover more.

1. If you name the intranet, it becomes part of the company culture.

Your company culture is the atmosphere or vibe employees encounter when they come to work. Remote employees feel it when they log into the intranet software to start work from their preferred location. When you brand the platform by naming it, you make the intranet part of your company culture and give it an identity.

What should you name your company intranet? Ask your employees! Suggest they choose a name that reflects something about your business. They could also go in a completely different direction and decide on a name they find interesting. Check out this list of example intranet names for inspiration.

2. The early intranet adopters will contribute content and become your brand ambassadors.

Be on the lookout for employees who are incredibly enthusiastic about the intranet. They are the ones who jump on board right away and are leading discussions, and asking to contribute posts for other employees to read. These employees are "talking up" the intranet during coffee and lunch breaks and sharing how happy they are to have these collaboration tools. See the 20 Internal Communication Tools your Company Should Have.

Once you identify these employees, make them your community leaders. Recognize them by making them "User of the Month" on the company homepage. These employees will become your brand ambassadors, sharing positive messages about the company on social media and their network.

3. Q&A forums on the company intranet are convenient for employees to get questions answered.

Employees have questions, especially when learning how to use the corporate intranet, taking on new projects, or having recently started working with the company. A specific Q&A forum is an efficient place to ask questions. Employees can also see whether their particular question has already been answered.

Essential questions that are often accessed can be placed in a Q&A forum. Employees can go directly to those areas to get the information they need. These forums aren't meant to replace managers in the digital workplace. Employees should always feel free to consult with their manager or team leader if they have questions or concerns not covered in the Q&A forums.

4. It makes files and documents accessible through the intranet's search function.

Every work team will need to access files and information to complete its duties on the job. The intranet document management system can store files and documents, customer records, legal forms, contracts, compliance documentation, and many other forms of content. Employees can easily search for e-books, training materials and videos, safety videos, and more. They spend less time searching for items they need, which increases productivity.

Employees who are uncertain of a document or file's specific title can type one or more keywords to help their search. They also have the option of searching by author or document type. A system that tags email attachments will also be helpful to employees searching for specific documents using the intranet search function.

5. The company intranet is a powerful internal communications system for collaboration.

When used by your employees for meaningful conversations, the intranet is an awe-inspiring collaboration tool. It can be used for group messaging, one-on-one chats, and discussion threads. Employees can comment on blog posts to provide feedback and share their thoughts with coworkers and management.

This ease of communication is an essential social feature of the corporate intranet. The options for holding discussions go far beyond sending emails back and forth between employees. Instead, colleagues can communicate quickly in a personalized way.

Team Collaboration Benefits and Examples


6. It allows the company to advertise job openings and hire internally first.

When positions become available, they are first advertised within the company. The company saves on the cost of posting ads on job boards. Candidates who apply for jobs from within the corporation already understand how the company works. They have already proven themselves stellar candidates who can quickly move into another position.

Employees interested in being considered for promotions or making a lateral change within the company should be encouraged to check out the internal job board on the intranet. It will give them details about the openings.

7. The intranet is an effective management tool for providing training videos to employees.

Videos are a highly effective way to train employees. They offer a combination of visual and verbal instructions for staff and are always available when employees need a refresher.

For example, LumApps Play is a video management tool that is embedded in the platform. LumApps Play gives you a place for secure video handling and a way to manage download and access permissions securely.

The videos can be used as part of the onboarding process to welcome new employees. Everyone goes through the same company training on how software such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are used in the corporate document management system. New hires can refer to the training videos if they have questions after their initial training.

8. It creates a sense of community and improves employee engagement.

Features like the events calendar can be used for posting photo albums from team activity gatherings for all employees to see. These actions show employees that the company cares about them; the employees featured in the images feel special and that they are someone who should be celebrated.

The corporate intranet should be a place that gives employees the impression that it's okay to have a work-life balance. Photos of content unrelated to work (as long as they are work-appropriate) are acceptable to post.

Most importantly, for remote teams: the images allow team members to put faces to names. Suppose remote workers have yet to have the opportunity to meet in person. In that case, photos will let them feel they get to "know" their fellow team members in a more casual setting.

Recommended article: 22 Intranet Engagement Ideas to Enhance User Adoption

9. The intranet creates wonderful opportunities for executives to get closer to their employees.

Traditionally, communication between the executive suite and employees was from the top down only. The company intranet creates opportunities for executives to be transparent with staff through blog posts and other types of communication.

Employees get to know the executives through these less-formal writings and can leave comments and suggestions. The executives can get to know employees too. The employees are more likely to be engaged in their work, and the entire employee experience improves.

10. It's an excellent way to help remote teams feel connected.

If your business has remote teams, helping everyone feel connected may be one of the corporate intranet solutions you seek. Encourage team members to post photos of themselves and their pets. Ask them to post videos of themselves enjoying their hobbies or telling a joke.

Encourage remote team managers to start team meetings with team building exercises at video meetings so that people can get to know each other. Choose some fun ice-breaker activities that all the participants will enjoy.

The corporate intranet can connect all employees, regardless of location. Its features will build stronger work relationships with a happier company culture.

Recommended article: Engaging Remote Employees: 15 Strategies for Enterprises

How to Create and Build a Corporate Intranet (Step-by-Step)

Creating a corporate intranet isn't just about implementing new technology—it's about establishing a digital ecosystem that supports your organization's culture, communication, and collaboration needs. Follow this comprehensive guide to build an effective intranet that drives employee engagement and organizational efficiency.

Planning your intranet project

A successful intranet begins with thorough planning that aligns with your business objectives and employee needs.

  1. Define your intranet vision and objectives: Clarify why your organization needs an intranet and what specific business challenges it will solve. Connect your intranet goals directly to your company's strategic priorities to ensure proper funding and support.
  2. Assemble your intranet team: Form a cross-functional team including IT professionals, HR professionals, communications specialists, and representatives from various departments. Clearly define roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability throughout the project.
  3. Conduct user research: Understand what employees need from the intranet by conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Create user personas to identify different needs across departments and roles.
  4. Create a content strategy: Develop a comprehensive plan for what content will populate your intranet. Determine content ownership, publishing workflows, and governance policies to ensure information remains relevant and up-to-date.
  5. Establish your governance framework: Define the policies, rules, standards, and processes that will guide your intranet's operation. A robust governance framework ensures your digital workplace aligns with business objectives while maintaining compliance with regulations.

Development & integration stages

With planning complete, you can move forward with the technical implementation of your intranet.

  1. Select the right intranet solution: Choose between custom development, out-of-the-box platforms, or hybrid solutions based on your organization's needs, budget, and technical capabilities. Consider scalability, security features, and integration capabilities.
  2. Design your intranet architecture: Create a logical structure for your intranet that makes navigation intuitive. Develop a sitemap that outlines how content will be organized and accessed, ensuring information is no more than three clicks away.
  3. Build a secure network environment: Implement robust security measures including SSL encryption, firewall protection, and granular access controls. Establish different permission levels to protect sensitive information while maintaining ease of access for authorized users.
  4. Integrate essential business applications: Connect your intranet with existing tools like document management systems, HR software, and communication platforms. Seamless integration creates a unified digital workplace where employees can access all necessary resources without switching between applications.
  5. Develop a mobile-friendly experience: Ensure your intranet is accessible via mobile devices through responsive design or a dedicated app. This is especially important for remote workers and frontline employees who may not have regular access to desktop computers.
  6. Test thoroughly before launch: Conduct comprehensive testing including functionality testing, security audits, and user acceptance testing. Gather feedback from a pilot group representing different user types to identify and address issues before full deployment.

Driving adoption and continuous improvement

Even the most well-designed intranet will fail without proper adoption strategies and ongoing management.

  1. Create an engaging launch campaign: Generate excitement about your new intranet through a strategic launch that highlights its benefits. Consider a themed launch event, executive endorsements, and targeted communications that explain how the intranet will make employees' work lives easier.
  2. Implement a training program: Develop role-specific training materials and sessions to help employees learn how to use the intranet effectively. Offer multiple formats including live sessions, video tutorials, and written guides to accommodate different learning styles.
  3. Identify and empower intranet champions: Recruit enthusiastic early adopters from different departments to become intranet champions. These individuals can provide peer support, gather feedback, and promote intranet usage within their teams.
  4. Establish success metrics: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure intranet adoption and effectiveness. Track metrics like active users, page views, content creation, and user satisfaction to evaluate success and identify areas for improvement.
  5. Gather continuous feedback: Create multiple channels for collecting user feedback, such as surveys, focus groups, and a dedicated feedback form on the intranet itself. Use this input to guide ongoing improvements.
  6. Implement a continuous improvement cycle: Regularly review analytics, user feedback, and business needs to prioritize enhancements. Establish a roadmap for future developments that keeps your intranet aligned with evolving organizational goals.
  7. Promote collaboration tools: Highlight features that facilitate teamwork and knowledge sharing. Encourage employees to use collaboration tools for project management, document co-creation, and team communication to maximize the intranet's value.

By following this step-by-step approach, you'll create a corporate intranet that not only meets your organization's current needs but can also evolve with your business. Remember that an intranet is never truly "finished"—it should continuously adapt to support your company's digital workplace strategy and enhance the employee experience.

Discover our latest content on Modern Intranet :

Corporate Intranet -FAQs

Are company and corporate intranets still relevant in 2025?

Absolutely! Corporate intranets have evolved from static information repositories to dynamic employee hubs that serve as digital extensions of company culture. In 2025, modern intranets feature personalized experiences based on roles, locations, and individual preferences, delivering tailored information that increases content relevance by up to 55%. With AI-powered semantic search capabilities, predictive analytics, and seamless integration with collaboration tools, today's intranet portal creates measurable value by streamlining workflows, improving knowledge sharing, and fostering meaningful connections among remote and in-office employees alike.

What is an example of an intranet?

A modern company intranet might include a personalized homepage featuring company announcements, departmental updates, and quick-access tools tailored to each user's role. For instance, Zapier's award-winning intranet balances power and ease of use with dedicated sections for corporate information, collaboration spaces, and knowledge management. Their portal includes social features mimicking familiar platforms (likes, comments, sharing), a robust document repository, employee directories with detailed profiles, and embedded communication tools. The best examples in 2025 integrate AI-powered search, customizable dashboards, and mobile accessibility to ensure information flows seamlessly regardless of where employees work.

What should be on a company's intranet homepage?

An effective intranet homepage should prioritize personalization and user experience with elements that drive engagement and productivity. Essential components include a personalized news feed displaying relevant company announcements, quick-access tiles to frequently used tools and applications, an intuitive search bar prominently positioned at the top, team/department updates, and an interactive employee directory. Additionally, incorporate a calendar highlighting upcoming events, quick links to important documents and forms, recognition features celebrating employee achievements, and social elements that foster community. The most successful homepages in 2025 utilize AI to continuously refine content relevance based on user behavior, ensuring employees see what matters most to them.

How to create an intranet using SharePoint?

Creating an intranet with SharePoint begins with identifying key stakeholders and documenting a clear vision aligned with organizational priorities. Start by taking inventory of existing content and meeting with department owners to determine business outcomes. Next, create a Communication Site as your main portal using SharePoint's out-of-the-box templates, then customize it with your company branding (logo, colors, themes). Add essential web parts like News, Quick Links, Events, and Document Libraries to the homepage. Set up proper permission structures using SharePoint Security Groups (Owners, Members, Visitors) to control access. Finally, create subsites for different departments, integrate Microsoft 365 tools, and develop a content governance plan to maintain quality and relevance over time.

What is the purpose of an intranet?

The primary purpose of an intranet is to serve as a centralized digital workplace that connects employees to information, tools, and each other. It functions as a single source of truth for company knowledge, streamlining internal communications and reducing information silos. Beyond document management, modern intranets facilitate collaboration across departments and locations, preserve institutional knowledge, and strengthen company culture through social features. They improve operational efficiency by automating workflows and integrating with business systems while providing personalized experiences that increase employee engagement. In 2025, the most valuable intranets also serve as strategic platforms for change management, knowledge sharing, and building community among increasingly distributed workforces.

Best way to launch an employee intranet?

The most effective intranet launch strategy involves a three-phase approach: pre-launch excitement building, launch day activities, and post-launch engagement. Start by involving employees early through focus groups and champions who can generate buzz. Create anticipation with teaser campaigns, countdown emails, and promotional materials highlighting key benefits. On launch day, host virtual or in-person kickoff events with executive sponsorship, offer live demonstrations, and organize competitions with prizes for profile completion or content creation. Post-launch, maintain momentum with regular training sessions, recognition for active users, and gathering feedback for continuous improvement. Success hinges on executive visibility, clear communication about how the intranet solves specific workplace challenges, and dedicated resources to support adoption throughout the first 90 days.

What is a corporate intranet and why do you need it for the employee experience ?

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Corporate Intranet: Definitions & 10 Reasons Why You Need It