Introduction

Interaction is the fourth step in adoption: top-down messages that get read are valuable, but the platform only truly comes alive when users themselves actively participate — by liking, commenting, asking questions and holding discussions. Interaction creates engagement, connection and a sense of inclusion.

In this article you'll read how to increase interaction on the platform. We cover five topics: promoting dialogue, Smart Conversations, involving managers, ambassadors, and forms, polls and quizzes.

Promote dialogue

Leading by example works. A platform where little interaction is visible doesn't invite users to participate either. When messages regularly receive likes and comments, that encourages others to join in.

By moderating actively and taking part in conversations yourself, you can create specific threads where employees are encouraged to share their opinion or ask questions.

Hold Smart Conversations

Smart Conversations is a tool that organisations use to increase employee engagement. Users receive a notification for a Smart Conversation via the programme manager and can complete it in the web version or the mobile app of the platform.

Participation is anonymous — results are never published on an individual basis. Even so, the tool drives interaction: completing the conversation requires an active contribution. For users, this makes the threshold much lower to do the same in other contexts on the same platform.

Actively involve managers

Based on large-scale international research, Gallup concludes that managers are responsible for up to 70% of the variance in employee engagement between teams. This makes leadership one of the most important influenceable factors for employee engagement. In digital workplaces and intranet environments this means that visible and active participation by the management team and executives contributes to more trust, clarity and engagement. When leaders use the platform actively and engage with employees, this also strengthens the adoption and legitimacy of the intranet as the central place for communication and collaboration.

Managers and team leaders who participate actively themselves — joining discussions, completing polls, responding to messages — act as an example. They set the tone for the rest of the organisation. Employees are more inclined to participate when they see that their managers use the platform actively.

A regular (weekly) update or blog from management or executives can prompt interaction in this way. It creates a culture of active participation, openness and appreciation, and lowers the threshold.

Ambassadors

Ambassadors play an important role in the adoption of an intranet, especially when it comes to interaction. As direct representatives of the platform's benefits, they help colleagues see its potential — for example in the areas of knowledge sharing, collaboration and communication. Ambassadors foster a culture of collaboration and open communication. In addition to enthusiasm, a good ambassador sometimes offers hands-on support and helps colleagues with day-to-day use.

A good ambassador group in 3 steps

1. Identify suitable employees. Map out which employees across different departments are influential and willing to embrace change. Ask managers for suggestions and look out for people who are already actively involved in other initiatives.
2. Choose diverse representation. Select employees from different departments, job levels and — where applicable — geographic locations. That way the ambassadors together cover the entire organisation and represent a broad perspective.
3. Provide targeted training and support. Ensure solid basic training on the intranet — key features, benefits, and how to guide colleagues. Support ambassadors with tools and regular updates.

What makes a good ambassador?

• Enthusiasm for change: being open to new technologies and willing to embrace and promote them.
• Good communication skills: able to communicate clearly, answer questions and motivate others.
• Affinity with technology: able to master new technical solutions and bridge the gap between software and daily use.
• Team player and influential: having respect and trust within the team, so colleagues are quick to come for help and advice.
• Availability: enough time and room within their regular work to fulfil the role effectively.
• Problem-solving ability: dealing proactively with problems colleagues experience and quickly offering solutions or referring them on.

Use forms, polls and quizzes

With forms, polls and quizzes you can easily gather feedback from users or let people share their opinion on a particular topic.

You use forms in messages, on pages and in the Programme Manager. They can be shared with all users, with a limited number of users or within a group. Forms are available in the mobile app and in the browser version of the platform.

Other tips

• Create interactive spaces: with forums, chat rooms or project groups you stimulate interaction.
• Encourage interaction: stimulate discussions and respond to messages yourself.
• Respond to interactions: show that you value employees' input.
• Organise online events: webinars or Q&A sessions promote interaction.

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