Intranets are not self-sustaining organisms. They need constant attention. User generated content and a well-set-up intranet will only take a site so far.
- Allowing for feedback, questions and comments is easy. It’s responding to this which requires resourcing. Have Service Level Agreements (SLAs) around how and when users will receive a response. Bring conversations and opinions into the heart of the intranet
- Commit internal resources to creating good content, including writing workshops or training
- There should be clear ownership and archiving processes
- Revise navigation as the site and/or organisation grows and changes
- Put a weekly, monthly, and yearly content schedule in place, and make sure there are adequate resources to manage and maintain it. Staff must understand the reasons for updating the intranet and must be provided with the time needed to make those changes.
- Create and maintain a rolling activations calendar for new features
- Schedule continuous improvement activities. The launched site is a first iteration that should be expected to change
- Define a content release schedule for news, annual events, staff accolades etc. Note - don't commit to a schedule ( e.g. for local news) if there are no resources to maintain it
- Establish ongoing engagement activities