Are intranets still relevant?

Nov 11, 2025

TL;DR

Intranets aren’t dead. They’ve evolved into dynamic digital ecosystems.
Modern intranets integrate with organisations’ software, AI-powered agents and support automation.
They’re essential for communication, compliance, onboarding, and hybrid work.
Organisations with intranets see higher engagement and productivity.
The future? AI-driven personalisation, mobile-first design, and unified digital workplaces.

Work keeps changing. And so do intranets.

The days of clunky homepages and endless document folders are behind us. Today’s intranets look and feel nothing like the ones from the early 2000s.

The Intranet Identity Crisis

For years, intranets have been called static, outdated, or worse, boring.

Then along came the flashier platforms (instant messaging tools like Teams and Slack, and social spaces like Viva Engage). Suddenly the humble intranet was left in the shadows.

But that reputation’s overdue for an update. Intranets have evolved. They’re quietly becoming one of the most important parts of a modern workplace.

What Even Is an Intranet in 2026?

Think of your intranet as your organisation’s digital town square. It’s where people meet, share news, access tools, and keep the culture alive.

Today’s intranet connects people, processes, and technology. Sitting at the intersection of the digital workplace and the employee experience.

It’s more than a content library. It’s a hub for communication, collaboration, and community.

Why Intranets Still Matter

Modern intranets bring structure and connection. And yes, even centrality to everyday work. They support:

Internal communications: Company news, updates, and announcements.
Knowledge sharing: Policies, FAQs, and best practices.
Compliance and governance: Keeping everyone aligned and accountable.
Onboarding and training: Helping new starters find their feet.

That’s where a well-designed intranet earns its keep.

The Hybrid Work Imperative

Hybrid work isn’t going anywhere. In fact:

93% of employees access their organisation’s intranet regularly Improved communication and collaboration through social technologies (including intranets) can raise productivity by 20–25%.

“Your intranet is the single source of truth for an organisation. It’s where staff go for news, policies, procedures and other updates” – Chloe Dervin, MD, WebVine

In short, intranets help everyone stay informed and connected, wherever they work.

Beyond the Homepage: What a Modern Intranet Can Do

Modern intranets are less about pages and more about possibilities:

Integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Teams, Viva, and Copilot.
Deliver AI-powered content tailored to each user.
Support real-time collaboration and structured content management.

SharePoint often acts as the backbone for these digital workplaces. Flexible, familiar, and ready to scale.

And now, there’s a new generation of AI agents and chatbots joining the mix. These smart helpers can:

Find documents in seconds using natural language.
Automate repetitive admin like directory updates.
Provide instant answers to FAQs through conversational interfaces.

Imagine asking, “Where’s the latest compliance policy?” and having the correct document appear instantly. No clicking through five folders or calling IT.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

An old intranet might look “fine”, but it’s quietly costing your organisation time and energy.

Staff spend hours searching for documents.
Important updates get missed or buried.
Compliance gaps creep in.

A modern intranet removes that friction, giving teams back time to focus on meaningful work.

The Intranet of the Future

What’s next?

AI-powered personalisation: Gartner predicts that by 2027, 25% of large enterprises will use AI-driven digital experience platforms.
Unified digital workplaces: Streamlined hubs that reduce app overload.
Mobile-first design and accessibility: Because work doesn’t just happen at a desk anymore.
Wearables and voice-driven intranet experiences: As wearable tech advances, micro-apps and voice assistants will make intranet access seamless. Think “Hey Siri, show me company news.” AI agents could send personalised updates or Copilot-powered voice alerts straight to your smartwatch, keeping you informed and hands-free wherever you are.

The future intranet will be smarter, faster, and more connected. The glue that holds the digital workplace together.

Still Standing, Still Evolving

Intranets aren’t a relic. They’re a reflection of how work gets done. And they’re transforming to match the pace of modern organisations.

Rethink your intranet not as a strategic asset that keeps people, information, and culture connected and focused.

FAQs

Q: Are intranets still relevant if everyone’s back in the office?
Absolutely. They centralise communication, resources, and compliance. Things every organisation needs, regardless of location.

Q: Are intranets still relevant if I have so many other communication tools?
Yes, intranets are still relevant because they provide a single source of truth and a structured hub for resources, policies, and workflows. While chat and collaboration tools handle conversations, intranets deliver clarity, governance, and a unified experience across the digital workplace

Q: How do intranets fit with Microsoft 365?
Modern intranets fit perfectly with Microsoft 365 by acting as the front door to your digital workplace, connecting organisational in one organised hub. They amplify Microsoft 365’s value by adding structure, governance, and a unified experience for employees

Q: What’s the biggest benefit of upgrading an intranet?
Engagement and productivity. Organisations with modern intranets report up to 21% higher employee engagement.
And if you’re still on SharePoint Classic or SharePoint on-prem, upgrading to a modern SharePoint intranet also reduces security risks and unlocks enhanced features for a better digital workplace experience.

Q: Do intranets really use AI now?
Yes! Many intranets include AI-powered search, document control, and even chatbots that guide employees to the right resources.