At Involv, we understand that launching a new intranet can be both exciting and challenging. It’s not just about deploying software; it’s about introducing a platform that will transform the way your organization collaborates and communicates. We’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing clients who have successfully launched their involv intranets. In this blog, we’ll share real-life stories and practical tips from our clients to help you achieve a memorable and effective intranet launch.
1. The power of a memorable name
Case: Lecot
At the heart of a successful intranet launch is a strong identity. When Lecot launched their new intranet, they held a naming contest among their colleagues. The chosen name, “Charlie,” paid homage to the company’s founder, Charles Lecot. This not only created a connection with the company’s history but also made the intranet relatable to employees. The winner was rewarded, and a video explaining the name’s significance became the inaugural post on Charlie. This simple act humanized the intranet and made it more approachable.
Case: Government Houthalen Helchteren
In the case of Government Houthalen Helchteren, the choice for the launch date of the intranet on December 6th was no coincidence. The local government, located in the NAC (New Administrative Center), had previously held a contest to come up with a new name for the newsletter. The name “Nic Nac” – where NIC stands for news in close-up – was chosen as the winner. In honor of this, the Involv intranet was launched on December 6th, on Sinterklaas, adding a touch of local culture and festivity to the intranet’s introduction. This thoughtful gesture reinforced the intranet’s connection to the organization’s values and traditions, making it more endearing to employees.
2. Treat it like a birth announcement
Case: Kom op tegen Kanker
Just as parents celebrate the arrival of a newborn, Kom op tegen Kanker celebrated the birth of their Involv intranet, named ‘Flor.‘ They designed birth announcement cards, posters, and even included traditional Belgian sweets to mark the occasion. Such personalization creates a sense of belonging and excitement among employees. It humanizes the intranet, making it more than just a tool.
Case: Corona direct
Corona Direct celebrated the launch of their new Involv intranet, ‘Jump,’ with great enthusiasm and creativity. They transformed their workplace into a vibrant and exciting space, adorning the office with a multitude of balloons and cupcakes, each bearing the name of their intranet, ‘Jump.’ This festive decor added a touch of excitement and anticipation to the atmosphere, making the intranet launch a memorable and engaging event for their employees.
3. Engage with an introduction video
Case: Kom op tegen Kanker
Kom op tegen Kanker didn’t stop at just naming their intranet. They created an introduction video that focused on how ‘Flor’ would improve employees’ daily work lives. Instead of diving into technical details, the video highlighted practical benefits like finding information, staying updated, connecting with colleagues, and personalizing the intranet. This approach ensures that employees see the intranet as a valuable resource rather than just another software platform.
4. Leverage offline communication
Case: Blue Triangle
Offline communication can be a powerful tool. Blue Triangle introduced their intranet through mouse mats placed on every employee’s desk. These tactile reminders were an effective way to ensure everyone knew about the new platform. It’s a reminder that sometimes, old-school methods can complement digital communication strategies.
5. Create excitement with a countdown
Case: VNZ
VNZ took the launch excitement to the next level by counting down to the intranet launch on a large cinema screen during a staff meeting. This added an element of anticipation and engagement. To maintain the enthusiasm, they organized a contest with rewards to encourage active participation and content creation on the intranet.
6.Hands-On training
Case: CD&V
CD&V ensured that all employees were well-informed by announcing the intranet during staff meetings and in their newsletter. They went a step further by organizing a specific staff meeting dedicated to the intranet. Employees were encouraged to bring their laptops, creating an interactive learning environment. This hands-on approach ensured a smooth transition to the new system.
More Than a Launch Date:
Making Your Intranet a Daily Essential
It’s not only about getting it started; it’s about making sure people don’t just know about your intranet but actually use it. We’ve seen this happen with our amazing clients who not only kicked off their Involv intranets successfully but also made them a real part of how their organization works.
If you’re interested in a more in-depth exploration of intranet adoption strategies, you might find this blog post helpful: 10 top tips to boost intranet adoption. This post dives into practical tips and real-world examples to ensure your intranet becomes an integral part of your organization’s daily operations.
Conclusion:
A successful intranet launch involves more than just deploying software; it’s about creating a memorable experience that engages employees. These real-life stories from Involv clients showcase the importance of personalization, humanization, and effective communication. By implementing these tips, you can ensure your intranet launch is a resounding success that transforms the way your organization collaborates and communicates.