Currently, most companies worldwide find themselves in the situation where all or most of their employees have to work from home. This scenario is new to most of them – and thus requires new tools to approach it. After all, well-functioning digital collaboration and networking among employees is now more important than ever. Many employers have already recognized the potential of a Social Intranet, which connects all company employees with each other and improves both communication and cooperation. It also helps to establish a new, modern corporate culture.

Companies that have have decided to use a Social Intranet, should be clear about one thing: The introduction of a new platform affects the entire company. So not only the IT people should be romping around here, but also all other departments. To make this work for all the stakeholders, it’s important to know the different user types that can be found in every company – and how to get them super excited about the new platform.

 

User type 1: I am too old for something like that!
Their favorite expression would be something like: “Oh, no.” Everything that’s new and is somewhat technological is a thorn in the side of these users. They have no desire to learn something new and show a consistent rejection attitude. Tip: This type of user can be convinced above all by a clear presentation of advantages. A short workshop is often a good alternative to satisfy the naggers.

User type 2: The professional
Moderately active, but with a tremendous amount of expertise. The expert posts relatively few posts, but answers questions from colleagues in a targeted manner and is unbeatable in his field. This user type wants to be encouraged and needs positive feedback and recognition. His support is worth its weight in gold!

User type 3: The chatterbox
They comment on everything. Several times. And sometimes they’re unstoppable. But this euphoria of communication can have negative effects. Tip: To slow down super-active online chatterboxes, it’s a good idea to introduce a moderator that clearly states how the platform will be used in a goal-oriented way.

User type 4: The silent reader
Probably the (first) largest group among the grooving types what’s a grooving type?. But even if this user type is rather shy at the beginning, it can still benefit from a social intranet. These silent co-readers are better informed and optimize their work processes. Tip: With the help of concrete questions you can lure this user type out of their shell.

User type 5: The Hater
Their trademark: Basically negative comments. “Boring,” “I’ve seen it before…“, – the Haters criticize everything and everyone. Of course the expression of criticism in a social intranet is desired – but it should be constructive. Tip: Send a friendly direct message with the advice to clarify personal matters in direct conversation and to formulate criticism constructively.

User type 6: The active user
Virtual project groups? Yes, please! Teamwork? Absolutely! This user type gives feedback, gathers and bundles information and asks interesting questions. Important: Support the active and the experts!

One thing is clear: Once you have identified and individually picked up all user types, nothing stands in the way of the success of your social intranet and the employees will love the way it enables them to connect and collaborate more efficiently.

 


About the author

 

Sarah Mag is Public Relations Manager at COYO, a social intranet company that has developed into one of the leading companies in the intranet software market and is already used by more than 1,000,000 users. In her position at COYO, Sarah is responsible for COYO’s external communication.