The past 15 months have been transformative for Simpplr in Europe, marked by rapid growth and meaningful milestones. With more than 100 customers across 12 countries, we’ve made significant strides in delivering a platform that empowers organisations to enhance communication, streamline workflows, and engage employees effectively.

In hospitals, every shift, every decision and every message can mean the difference between life and loss. Patient-facing employees face this reality every day. But then unexpected events throw everything into overdrive. When things go wrong, communication becomes the foundation of the entire response. Even with established protocols, if you don’t have a solid system in place, that foundation can crumble fast.

Imagine launching a state-of-the-art intranet — sleek design, intuitive navigation and all the tools employees need at their fingertips. But after the initial rollout, you notice something troubling: engagement is sluggish, adoption rates are flat, and the platform feels more like a ghost town than a bustling hub. The problem often starts at the top. Lack of executive involvement can create disengagement all the way down.

Economic challenges test organizations and the people who make their mission possible. Budget cuts, layoffs and financial instability weigh heavily on employees, leaving them stressed, distracted and less productive. The key to managing tough times is to build trust through timely updates and transparent communication.

As the workforce shifts toward more dynamic and distributed models, the importance of a high-performing intranet has increased. Today’s employees need more than a digital bulletin board — they expect an intranet that actively supports their productivity, engagement and connection to the organization. The benefits of carefully evaluating intranet solutions are immeasurable.

I’m fresh from the Ragan Future of Communications Conference, and I have to say it’s always refreshing to gather with other internal communicators. The unspoken sense of shared experience can be felt from the start.

Loneliness at work has become a growing crisis. As people juggle remote, hybrid and in-person setups, feelings of isolation can creep in — even in busy environments. Creating meaningful connections in the workplace is key to fostering belonging and supporting both individuals and teams.

When the unexpected strikes — such as a natural disaster or security breach — clear employee communication can mean the difference between a controlled response and widespread confusion that harms trust and disrupts business operations. The right technology and strategy for crisis communications are essential to support employees and mitigate risks.

Intranet analytics aren’t just numbers — they’re the vital signs of your platform’s health. A thriving intranet keeps employees connected, informed and engaged, making it central to the digital workplace. But getting it there requires more than simply setting up an intranet and hoping employees use it. For intranet program managers, the challenge lies in understanding what’s working, what’s not, and how to make improvements that truly matter to employees.

Our latest research shows that the right intranet is key to keeping software industry employees engaged, informed and aligned. As technology forerunners, it’s no surprise that intranet program leaders in the software sector are ahead of the curve in implementing new employee experience solutions. But our other findings might make you rethink your intranet strategy.