28 November 2007
Research finds most intranets are under used
Poor search and navigation highlighted as problems.
Almost a third of employees find their company intranet isn't useful in relation to their daily work, according to a new research report from the Irish Computer Society (ICS).
Positive and negative results
The study, which was based on a 50-question survey and had a sample size of over 2,000 companies, broadly shows a positive user experience of intranet systems. However, where negative sentiment is expressed it’s indicative of specific recurring areas of concern.
Two thirds of company intranets fail to provide an accessible or text-only version.
Further findings from the ICS report include:
- Half of all users find the search function on their company intranet ineffective.
- 80% believe navigation and search need improvement.
- Less than a third use the intranet for daily work tasks.
- Two thirds of company intranets fail to provide an accessible or text-only version.
- A third of all users find it difficult to access the right information on their company intranet. Accessing staff and personal contact details like phone directories represents the most common recurring activity.
- 70% describe their intranet as “a communication and information resource”.
- Almost half say they don’t actually use the company intranet to support their daily work.
- Over 50% say they have remote access to the intranet.
Benchmarking for improvements
Jim Friars, chief executive of the ICS, commented that the research provided a valuable insight into intranet usage in Ireland and how intranets are used by employees. By making this an annual survey, ICS aims to grow knowledge of intranet activity and allow its members to benchmark against the trends and results identified in the research.
Got a news story? Contact the newsdesk