From intranet to employee app? Who will really benefit from the switch in 2025

Apr. 14, 2025

The way we communicate internally has changed rapidly in recent years. Hybrid working, mobile teams and new employee expectations require flexible solutions - especially when it comes to internal communication.

 

Many companies are now asking themselves the question: Is our intranet still sufficient - or do we need a mobile supplement?

 

The good news is that it doesn't have to be either/or. But for certain scenarios in 2025, it can make a lot of sense to supplement the existing intranet with an employee with an employee app or - in certain cases - even replace it.

 

The right channel for the right target group

Not all employees are equally accessible - internal communication managers know this only too well. While office workers with laptops and access to the intranet are well provided for, the situation is often very different for mobile employees, production teams or nursing staff.

Non-desk employees often do not have a fixed PC workstation and do not use a work e-mail address. For them, the traditional intranet is simply difficult to access.

In such cases, an employee app offers real added value:

  • Quickly ready for use on private or business smartphones
  • Content available at any time - even on the move or in the field
  • Push notifications for important news
  • Simple feedback and interaction options

 

When an app becomes a useful addition

There are clear signs that it is worth considering a mobile communication solution:

✅ You only reach some of your employees via the intranet

Traditional intranets are reaching their limits, especially in sectors with a large number of mobile or operational employees (e.g. logistics, care, retail, production).

✅ Your employees want mobile access options

The trend is clearly moving in the direction of mobile-first communication - Many employees are used to receiving information via their smartphone.

✅ You want to enable fast, direct communication

Compared to intranets or emails, employee apps offer short paths - information can be transmitted in real time.

✅ You would like more feedback and exchange

While many intranets are designed purely to provide information, apps offer interactive formats, surveys and opportunities for dialog.

 

When the intranet stays where it is

Despite all the advantages of mobile solutions, the classic intranet still has its place - and for good reason. and for good reason:

  • It is ideal for extensive contentdocuments, wikis and structured knowledge.
  • It remains a central communication channel for employees with daily PC access.
  • It can be easily linked to other systems such as HR tools, self-service portals or the digital workplace.

In many cases, a hybrid strategy is ideal: Intranet for in-depth content and administrative processes - an Employee app for reach, speed and dialog.

 

Humanstars: Both worlds, one platform

We at Humanstars know: Every company is different. That's why we offer modular solutionsthat adapt flexibly to your communication landscape - from powerful intranets to mobile-friendly apps.

What makes our platform special:

  • Centrally maintained, displayed everywhereContent can be made visible on the intranet and in the app at the same time.
  • Customizable according to target groupPersonalized feeds and access controls ensure that everyone sees exactly what is relevant.
  • Secure, GDPR-compliant, intuitive to use - on any device.

 

Conclusion: It's not a question of either or - but of suitable and effective

Whether intranet, app or a combination of both: the decisive factor is what your employees need, how they work - and how you can best reach them.

2025 is a good time to put your own communication strategy to the test.
Ask yourself questions like:
🔹 Which target groups are we currently reaching well - and which are we not?
🔹 How well do our existing channels work in practice?
🔹 How mobile is our workforce - and how accessible do we want to be?

 

We will be happy to advise you, find the right mix for you - and accompany you on the way to modern, effective and inclusive internal communication.

 

👉 Arrange a no-obligation consultation now - we'll show you how the intranet and app work together at Humanstars.