POV: How I Use Our Company Intranet & The Value Of An Intranet In Our Company Culture

Life is a little hectic this week. I’m bringing cookies for the office, I have an appointment and my in-laws are visiting next weekend. Oh, I need to request PTO for the Friday before they get here, I’ll need time to clean and get groceries. Before my touch base I should also take a look at my yearly goals. Okay, let me log into BlueHQ.

We’ve all had those weeks where the to-do list feels never-ending. Balancing personal life while staying focused on work can be a challenge sometimes. It’s in these moments that having tools to streamline tasks, like a reliable company intranet, becomes essential for keeping everything on track.

BlueHQ: The Blue Compass Intranet

When I think about the tools Blue Compass offers to help streamline my workday and keep everything running smoothly, it’s hard not to highlight our company intranet, BlueHQ. It’s not just a place for resources, it’s a central hub that ties everything together and reinforces our company culture. From providing easy access to our yearly reviews and company updates to fostering a deeper connection among the team, BlueHQ is designed to make our jobs easier, our communication more effective and our culture stronger. Whether I’m looking back at my year-end review or connecting with a teammate across departments, the intranet keeps me organized, informed and aligned with who we are. Here are some of my favorite features that make our intranet an indispensable tool in my daily routine.

My Can’t-Live-Without Features Of Our Company Intranet

Staying organized, connected and in the loop is easy with BlueHQ, our company intranet. It’s more than just a hub for important info, it’s a tool that maximizes intranet value by making collaboration smoother, communication stronger and day-to-day tasks more efficient. Work life just wouldn’t be the same without personalized bio pages, effortless PTO requests and project highlights that keep me inspired.

My Bio Page

Not to make everything about me (but also kind of), but I love that our employee intranet highlights who we are as individuals. The bio pages go beyond just job titles and give us a chance to share what makes us, well, us. From my go-to coffee order for when a coworker wants to treat me to my work preferences, favorite places to shop and how I feel most appreciated, it’s all there. And yes, it’s all HR approved.

What I appreciate most about BlueHQ’s bio pages is how they foster real connection. Whether it’s learning fun facts about a new hire or discovering a shared interest with a coworker, these pages make daily interactions more meaningful. And when someone remembers my coffee order without asking? That is next level teamwork.

Company Value Shout Outs

We have a special place on our company intranet where each of us can recognize someone who truly embodies our values. It is a simple way to make someone feel seen and let them know they are representing Blue Compass well. It always feels good to be noticed.

If you know nothing about Blue Compass, just know that we take our values seriously. And I mean seriously. But in the best way. We live them out every day not because we’re forced to or even encouraged, but because when challenges come up they remind us who we are and what we stand for. So this feature really emphasizes the intranet value, highlighting our brand and the people who make it what it is. It is a reminder that our values are not just words but actions, and it gives us a chance to celebrate the team members who bring them to life.

Curious what they are?

• We Are Positive
• We Grow Our Expertise
• We Support One Another
• We Give Clients Our Best
• We Reject Drama and Gossip

Project Highlights

While every department at Blue Compass works closely together, our day-to-day tasks can look very different. The dev team operates differently from digital marketing (where I belong) and our client services and support teams keep everything running smoothly. I appreciate that BlueHQ makes it easy to celebrate wins across all teams by showcasing recently completed client projects, giving everyone well-deserved recognition.

It’s easy to get caught up in my own tasks, but seeing a project highlight from another department gives a new appreciation for what goes outside of my work bubble. Whether it’s a stunning website launch, a campaign that exceeded expectations or a behind-the-scenes tech fix that saved the day, these updates remind me that every win is a team win.

PTO Tracking Software

As much as I love coming into work every day, taking time off is just as important, and we’re encouraged to do so at Blue Compass. My company intranet includes PTO tracking software, making time off requests and management effortless. No more email exchanges and tracking time manually in excel and Google Sheets, just a smooth, transparent process that keeps everyone on the same page. We can even view out-of-office dates to plan ahead, schedule meetings efficiently and ensure coverage while someone is away. A little organization goes a long way in making PTO stress-free!

Performance Review Platform

I know, reviews make me nervous too! It’s not that my leadership is harsh or anything, but self-evaluating and hearing about progress and areas for improvement can naturally feel anxiety-inducing. I guess that just means I care. BlueHQ helps take the edge off by letting me fill out my year-end review online within an integrated performance review platform, at my own pace. Even my supervisors are able to fill out their responses to my review. And the best part? We all pull up our versions during the conversation and refer to them as needed. There’s something reassuring about having your laptop with you, right?

After the review is over, my self-evaluation is housed on the intranet for me to refer to at any point year after year. It's really cool to be able to see how I've grown professionally over the years.

Employee Handbook & Yearly Benefits Package Information

My company intranet makes it easy to access our Employee Handbook and yearly benefits package details. When I need to refresh my memory on policies, perks or updates to our benefits, I don’t have to go hunting through emails or outdated docs. My health insurance options, time-off policies and other benefits are all right there, just a few clicks away.

Everything is also easy to update. Our Chief Operating Officer can upload the new policies in a flash, so I never have to worry about getting confused by outdated details. Plus, knowing all my benefits are clearly outlined in one place takes the stress out of hunting down information on a separate website or trying to understand my coverage. It’s simple, streamlined and saves me time.

Intranet Value-Add: Emphasize Company Culture

Our intranet isn’t just a tool to keep work organized, it’s a reflection of what makes Blue Compass unique: our company culture. The way we collaborate, celebrate wins and support each other is built into the features and how we use it. It’s not just about efficiency, it’s about making our values a part of how we work every day. So, when things get busy, I know I can rely on BlueHQ not just to stay organized, but to stay connected to the bigger picture.

So, if you’re thinking about building an intranet, I know I’m a digital marketing specialist, but these are my five recommendations to consider:

1. Crowdsource Ideas: Don’t overlook the value of your team’s input. They’re the ones using the intranet day in and day out, so tap into their insights on what would make their workdays easier or more efficient. While budget constraints might limit how many of their ideas can be implemented immediately, make sure to follow through on at least a few of the most popular requests. This demonstrates that you value their input and are committed to improving their experience.
2. Centralize Key Resources: An intranet should be a one-stop shop for all critical resources. Think beyond just payroll and PTO requests—this is your chance to house everything from the employee handbook and benefits information to company guidelines and training materials. By centralizing these documents, you not only make it easier for employees to find what they need, but you also create a more organized and efficient workplace overall.
3. Secure Sensitive Information: As a digital marketing specialist, I can’t stress enough how important security is. An intranet can be a huge asset, but only if employees feel confident that their personal and company data is safe. Prioritize features that protect sensitive information, whether it’s password protection, secure document storage or encrypted communication. This will give your team the peace of mind they need to fully engage with the platform.
4. Include Features That Foster Belonging: Your intranet shouldn’t just be about efficiency, it should also create a space where employees feel connected, especially in a remote or hybrid environment. By giving employees the opportunity to share more about themselves through profile features, interests or team shout-outs, you encourage deeper connections and strengthen your company culture. These small touches can make a big difference in building a sense of belonging and pride.
5. Make It Unique To Your Brand: Your intranet is an extension of your company’s identity, so make it reflect your brand’s personality. This is your chance to showcase what makes your company special, whether it’s through unique design elements, custom features or special integrations. Even if your budget doesn’t allow for all of your ideas right away, work with a developer who offers flexibility, so you can add on as your resources grow (cough, cough, Blue Compass).

Create A Connected, Efficient Workplace With A Company Intranet

Your company intranet should be more than just a tool for managing tasks, think of it as a key player in strengthening your company culture, too. And who better to help make that happen than the team at Blue Compass? Our developers understand how important it is to create an intranet that not only works seamlessly but also reflects the heart of your brand. With our experience in building intranets, we help businesses centralize resources, enhance security and make employees feel more connected. Ready to brainstorm? We’re excited to hear your needs or be of assistance in getting started.