Enterprise Social Network: Enhancing Collaboration and Connectivity in Your Business in 2024

As remote work becomes the new normal, businesses are increasingly seeking out a centralized communication platform that transcends traditional business tools. This is where Enterprise Social Network (ESN) tools come into play, acting as indispensable assets for any organization.

What is an Enterprise Social Network?

ESNs combine the benefits of public social media networks such as real-time messaging and simultaneous update sharing. The key difference is that ESNs provide these advantages within a secure and confidential business context.

The History of Enterprise Social Networking

Since the advent of social media, it has evolved into a crucial tool for companies of all sizes. However, enterprise social media differs significantly from managing social media for a small business. A social strategy in the enterprise landscape must deliver results aligned with the organization’s high-level goals while navigating through a complex network of people and policies.

Why is an Enterprise Social Network Important for a Business?

Research shows that teams using ESNs have improved knowledge sharing and collaboration across different departments, outperforming those who don’t use ESNs. In the world of enterprise social media, the stakes can be high, and many stakeholders are often involved.

How to Use an Enterprise Social Network Effectively

A critical factor in implementing an ESN is ensuring its smooth integration into your team’s workflow. Many ESNs come with document sharing, task management tools, and chat functions. However, some organizations may find that they can harness the benefits of an ESN within an existing collaborative workplace, like AgilityPortal, that already has project management capabilities.

For example, the global non-profit organization Oxfam uses AgilityPortal as its enterprise social network, encouraging team members to share personal and professional accomplishments with the entire company. These shared stories, usually in the form of internal blog posts, foster a strong sense of community and connectedness among team members.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the chosen platform depends on its adoption by your team. If the platform is cumbersome, it will be challenging to achieve the desired uptake. The ideal platform should be user-friendly, enjoyable, and non-intrusive, aligning seamlessly with your team’s communication needs, document-sharing, task management, and collaborative efforts.

With the rise of remote work, ESNs are no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses. They not only enhance collaboration and connectivity but also foster a strong sense of community, making employees feel more connected and engaged. As we move into 2024, ESNs will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of work.