The term “intranet” refers to a private network that shares information, communications and computing resources among employees. It is a part of an organization’s Wide Area Network (WAN) or Local Area Network (LAN). Companies also use intranets to share information with customers, suppliers and partners.

The intranet works like a private version of the Internet, with security and privacy controls. It consists of a central repository for information and links to applications, as well as an internal communications channel. It also provides tools for team collaboration and teleconferences. In addition, it may include a database of usernames and passwords for employees who have access rights.

A modern intranet platform encourages employee engagement with social elements and a smart home page that makes content easy to find. In addition, it should be optimized for remote work and allow employees to access the intranet without being connected to the company’s corporate LAN.

Intranets can be hosted on a company’s private servers or bought from vendors who host the software for clients. The latter option is increasingly popular as businesses shift to a hybrid model of distributed and centralized work, and as employees expect greater flexibility in how they collaborate.

Social media channels, instant messaging and video conferencing platforms are all popular ways for employees to communicate with each other, but they can create their own issues. For example, the popularity of these channels can lead to burnout and mental health problems. Conversations can become polarized and people get trapped in filter bubbles. There’s also the risk of offending co-workers with posts.

Despite these risks, these channels are essential for workplace communication and collaboration. A good digital strategy includes identifying the best channels for different needs and then planning ways to encourage engagement. For example, some channels are easier to measure and track, while others can have gamification features to reward employee participation. Regardless of which channels you choose, though, your digital strategy should consider the overall culture and employee engagement of your business.