Setting Up Intranet Social Networks: What You Need to Know and How it Can Help Your Organization Thrive
As humans, we crave social connection. We want to connect with others and feel like we belong in a community, whether for personal or professional development. According to this Forbes article, belonging is identified as one of the top workforce strategies. Studies show that employees who feel a strong sense of belonging are 56% more productive, 50% less likely to leave, and 75% less likely to take sick days.
However, achieving a strong sense of belonging becomes more challenging in a hybrid or remote work environment. As employees are increasingly distributed across different locations, organizations face the task of maintaining engagement, collaboration, and a cohesive organization culture.
Hybrid and Remote Workplace Challenges
A Gallup survey found that 25% of fully remote employees report feeling lonely, compared to 16% of those working exclusively on-site. A study of 1,153 employees revealed that those who worked from home part of the week were more likely to feel left out. Studies highlight that hybrid and remote workers often grapple with a sense of exclusion because:
- They miss out on organic connections: Without casual in-person interactions like quick chats by the coffee machine or in the hallway, remote workers can feel disconnected from their in-office colleagues.
- They may feel overlooked: Not being physically present can unintentionally exclude remote employees from key conversations or decision-making, making them feel sidelined from the day-to-day dynamics of the team.
- Subtle communication barriers: Without visual and tonal cues that face-to-face communication provides, remote workers may find it challenging to interpret tone or intent, creating unintentional barriers.
The feeling of disconnection often manifests in more less obvious ways, such as:
- Quiet disengagement: Employees may contribute less to meetings or avoid collaboration opportunities, not due to lack of interest, but because they feel distanced from the team’s ongoing rhythm.
- Shifting priorities: When remote workers feel disconnected, staying aligned with team goals becomes harder, reducing engagement.
- Fragile team dynamics: Miscommunications and missed interactions can slowly deteriorate and make team dynamics more fragile. Over time, these subtle feelings of exclusion can build up, leading to frustration that can affect morale.
Strategies to Strengthen Connections in Remote and Hybrid Workplaces
1. Intentional Check-Ins
A study reveals that 61% of business leaders have increased the frequency of manager-employees check-ins since adopting remote or hybrid work models. Regular virtual meetings and one-on-one sessions provide opportunities to maintain alignment and nurture relationships. Casual “virtual coffee chats” can replicate informal office conversations, enhancing interpersonal connections.
2. Clear Communication Norms
Establishing communication protocols such as preferred tools, response times, and regular updates, ensures transparency and inclusion. These norms help remote workers stay informed and feel part of the team.
3. Structured Social Activities
Virtual team-building events, games, or online celebrations help recreate the camaraderie of in-person interactions. These activities promote team bonding and help maintain morale across locations.
4. Recognition and Feedback
A Gallup study found that employees who receive recognition are five times more likely to be engaged at work. Additionally, SHRM reports that 68% of employees say they would work harder if their efforts were better recognized. Prioritizing recognition and feedback creates a culture of appreciation, directly impacting retention and productivity.
By weaving these strategies into their operations, organizations can foster a more inclusive culture, ensuring hybrid and remote workers remain engaged, aligned, and productive.
Building Connections: How Intranet Social Networks Empower Remote and Hybrid Teams
Intranet social networks are key to addressing these challenges because they break down communication barriers and promote collaboration across teams, departments, and locations. By providing convenient access to resources, feedback, and ideas, intranet social networks empower employees, boost productivity, and ensure alignment with the organization’s objectives. Here’s a list of why intranet social networks matter:
- Enhanced Internal Communication: An intranet offers a centralized dashboard for announcements, updates, key milestones, and team-specific information, ensuring employees stay informed and aligned.
- Culture Building: Through dedicated spaces for recognition, team-building activities, surveys, and discussion boards, an intranet strengthens connections among employees.
- Employee Engagement: An intranet supports employee engagement initiatives by allowing employees to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and participate in shaping the company culture.
- Knowledge Sharing: An intranet’s centralized knowledge management hub allows employees to easily access and share documents, best practices, and key resources, promoting collaboration and efficiency.
- Employee Well-Being: Companies can create dedicated spaces for wellness initiatives, offer stress management tools, and encourage open discussions around mental health, building a supportive and balanced work environment.
Conclusion
With PeopleOne, our modern intranet platform accessible via web, Microsoft Teams, and mobile apps for Android and iOS, you can:
- Access a customizable dashboard for announcements, updates, and resources
- Ensure enhanced security with role-based access controls and robust data privacy
- Utilize built-in tools for knowledge sharing, employee engagement, and wellness initiatives
- Enjoy a user-friendly interface with mobile support for flexibility across locations
Empower your organization and elevate collaboration with PeopleOne. Contact us today to transform your workplace.
