November digital workplace roundup
November saw a range of developments in the digital workplace, from the shifting landscape of intranet and collaboration tools to the ongoing debate around hybrid work. This roundup captures the month’s key stories, highlighting the practical strategies, technology shifts, and leadership considerations shaping the future of work.
Niche tools vs. enterprise platforms – the intranet Debate
The debate between niche tools and enterprise-scale platforms continues to feature in intranet and digital workplace discussions. While solutions like SharePoint have been dominant, they often require significant investment in time and resources—or additional “in-a-box” products—to fill functionality gaps. Meanwhile, platforms like Workday and ServiceNow have entered the space, but they frequently lack the features expected of a true intranet experience.
The sheer variety of tools on the market—over 250 at last count—may see consolidation in the coming years. However, the need for dedicated, niche intranet platforms, comms tools, and mobile-first solutions is unlikely to fade. For vendors, long-term success will depend on addressing critical customer demands, such as product reliability, adaptability to industry trends, and seamless integration within broader digital workplace ecosystems. Tools must not only deliver value but also demonstrate a clear purpose in supporting employee experience. Read the full article here.
Shadow tech and messaging – rethinking WhatsApp for the workplace
The challenge of “shadow tech,” such as WhatsApp, remains a significant concern for organisations focused on governance, privacy, and security. NatWest’s recent moves to tackle this issue (they’ve blocked employees from using WhatsApp and Messenger for work comms) have highlighted the need for more appropriate communication solutions, particularly for frontline employees who may lack access to traditional tools like Teams or email.
Vendors have responded by integrating messaging capabilities directly into intranet and employee experience platforms. These chat features offer organisations a viable alternative to tools like WhatsApp while enabling secure, governed communications. Oak is one such vendor, who provide NatWest with their intranet (you can read the case study on Oak’s website). So could Oak’s chat feature be another ‘approved’ channel for those lighter-touch messages that aren’t served by email?
Blink’s commitment to frontline employees
The latest update to the ClearBox intranet review report has highlighted Blink’s standout features for frontline workers. Scoring a perfect 5 for “Mobile and frontline support”, Blink goes beyond providing a functional app—it excels in ensuring accessibility and adoption through tailored launch strategies.
Blink’s team visits client sites during rollouts, providing branded materials and in-person support to ensure smooth access, especially for geographically dispersed employees. Features such as “do not disturb” settings for personalised work hours and offline content caching further illustrate its frontline-first approach. Blink’s integrations, like its “open shifts” microapp for shift management, add practical value for organisations seeking efficient tools for frontline teams.
These thoughtful features make Blink a standout option for companies prioritising frontline engagement. Download our latest report now for more screenshots and more information about Blink’s excellent range of features.
Countdown to Meta Workplace’s sunset: planning ahead
The planned sunset of Workplace from Meta has gained urgency as Q4 draws to a close. For organisations still relying on Workplace, the clock is ticking to identify and transition to a suitable alternative.
Many vendors, including Interact, have stepped up with solutions that mimic Workplace’s popular features, such as social feeds and multichannel communication.
You can watch our recent webinar with Interact, where we provided practical advice for Workplace customers on making a smooth transition. The session highlighted the importance of evaluating not just features but also broader platform benefits like knowledge management and engagement capabilities. For organisations facing this shift, a deliberate, strategic approach will be key to ensuring long-term success.
Hybrid work – rethinking leadership assumptions
The debate around hybrid work has been picking up pace again – with companies looking to the year ahead (2025). Comments from former Google CEO Eric Schmidt have fueled these conversations, with Schmidt’s perspective on the importance of in-office work, particularly for younger employees, echoing traditional leadership views that the office is central to career growth. However, his reasoning reflects assumptions rooted in past workplace dynamics rather than today’s realities.
Modern workplaces are increasingly capable of designing hybrid models that foster collaboration, development, and productivity without requiring constant physical presence. Leaders must rethink entrenched assumptions and consider how intentional workplace design can optimise hybrid models. By focusing on data-driven insights and evolving employee preferences, organisations can create environments that embrace flexibility while maintaining performance and connection. Join the debate here.
Looking ahead
November’s developments highlight the ever-evolving nature of the digital workplace. From managing platform transitions and addressing shadow tech to championing hybrid work models, organisations must balance innovation with thoughtful, employee-centred strategies. By addressing both technological challenges and cultural shifts, companies can position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly dynamic and distributed workplace.
