Module 1 - Getting Started with Your Employee Hub

 

INTRODUCTION

In today's fast-paced business environment, companies need to have an effective way to communicate with their employees. One of the most efficient ways to do this is through an employee portal using the latest in progressive web app technology such as the IHUBApp.

An IHUBApp employee portal is a hub-based app that provides employees with easy access to important information, resources, and tools that they need to perform their job. It provides a host of powerful features and allows companies full access control.

The first step in designing an IHUBApp employee portal is to identify the needs and goals of your company. This will help you determine what information and resources should be included in the portal and how it should be organized.

In a later lesson, we will explain in detail different onboarding strategies for when you’re ready to bring your IHUBApp out to your employees.

LESSON

Step 1: Conduct a needs assessment

Before you begin designing your IHUBApp employee portal, it's important to conduct a needs assessment. This will help you understand the specific needs and goals of your company and employees.

You can conduct a needs assessment by:

  • Talking to employees and managers to understand their needs and what they would like to see in an employee portal

  • Analyzing the current communication channels and identifying areas that could be improved

  • Reviewing the company's overall goals and objectives to ensure the employee portal aligns with them

Step 2: Identify the key features and functionality

Once you have a clear understanding of the needs and goals of your company, you can begin to identify the key features and functionality that should be included in the employee portal.

Some common features of the IHUBApp include:

  • Company news and announcements: This keeps employees informed about important company news, events, and announcements. All channels automatically have push notifications and automated weekly newsletters enabled to keep employees informed.

  • Resources and tools: This includes providing resources such as employee handbooks, policies and procedures, and training materials.

  • Emergency alerts: The IHUBApp allows you to setup a channel that will automatically send an SMS to its subscribers when new content is added.

  • Team channels: You can create specific team channels that are owned and managed by managers to keep communications well organized.

  • Surveys: All posts come enabled with the ability to do instant surveys to help poll your employees.

  • and much more: The IHUBApp has a suite of features available. Be sure to inquire!

Step 3: Organize the content

Once you have identified the key features and functionality, you can begin to organize the content. This will make it easier for employees to find the information they need.

In the IHUBApp content is organized via Static Pages (that rarely get updated) and Dynamic Posts (that are updates that require employees to be alerted. Posts live within channels that members subscribe to and can be organized into helpful categories.

You can organize the dynamic content by:

  • Creating a clear and simple navigation structure using categories

  • Grouping similar information together such as “Teams” or “HR”

  • Using clear and consistent labels

View: https://support.ihub.app/hc/en-us/articles/14713782344091-Understanding-Categories-Channels-Content

Step 4: Design the layout

The great news about using the IHUBApp is that it is very easy to refresh your look and feel. Simply upload your logo, select the colors and go!

View:https://support.ihub.app/hc/en-us/articles/14713778670747-Updating-the-Look-and-Feel-of-your-IHUBApp

The next step is to design the layout of the employee portal. The layout should be visually appealing and easy to navigate.

You can design the layout by:

  • Using a clean and modern design

  • Using a consistent color scheme

  • Using images and graphics to break up text and make the portal more visually appealing

Step 5: Test and launch

Once the design is complete, it's important to test the employee portal to ensure that it is functioning properly and that the content is accurate. This can be done by getting a small group of employees to test the portal and provide feedback.

NOTE: Conducting a pilot with small group of employees is critical to success. A failed launch of an employee portal can create frustration and tech abandonment. A pilot will help you smooth out what employees find helpful or frustrating and create an experience that truly benefits the employee.

After testing is complete, the employee portal can be launched to all employees. It's important to provide training and support to ensure that employees know how to use the portal and can find the information they need.

SUMMARY

An IHUBApp employee portal is a web-based platform that provides employees with easy access to important information, resources, and tools that they need to perform their job. The first steps in designing an employee portal include conducting a needs assessment, identifying the key features and functionality, organizing the content, designing the layout, and testing and launching the portal. By following these steps, companies can create an effective employee portal that improves communication and increases productivity.