Many organizations struggle with intranets and employee experience platforms (EXPs) that employees rarely use. The problem is not usually the technology but the lack of leadership visibility. When executives stay silent, adoption slows, engagement drops, and the intranet or EXP risks becoming just another underused tool.
This lack of leadership presence not only wastes investment but also undermines communication, culture, and connection to business goals. Without executive participation, even the most carefully designed intranet adoption strategies will fall short.
The good news is that leadership involvement can turn both intranets and EXPs into powerful engagement hubs. When executives model active use, share updates, and connect digital platforms to business priorities, employees are more likely to embrace them.
In this article, we will share 9 intranet adoption strategies that help leaders move from passive approval to active engagement, ensuring your intranet or EXP drives adoption, builds culture, and delivers measurable business impact.
Key Takeaways
- Intranets and employee experience platforms (EXPs) succeed when executives are visible, active, and aligned with business goals.
- Leadership involvement drives adoption through updates, recognition, video messages, and consistent content.
- Intranet adoption strategies work best when tied directly to company culture, values, and strategic priorities.
- Educating managers and executives through intranet adoption courses ensures they understand their role and model effective engagement.
- Expert support from partners like Social Edge helps turn executive momentum into a scalable, results-driven intranet adoption strategy.
What is an Employee EXP Platform?
You may be hearing more about employee experience platforms, often called EXPs, as organizations look for ways to go beyond a traditional intranet. An EXP is software designed to bring together the tools, resources, and communication channels employees need to stay informed, connected, and productive. Unlike a basic intranet that primarily stores and shares information, an EXP blends communication, collaboration, learning, recognition, and engagement into one cohesive experience.
What is the Difference Between an Intranet and an Employee Experience Platform?
An intranet primarily stores and shares information, while an employee experience platform combines communication, collaboration, recognition, and engagement features. Both benefit significantly from executive participation.
Key Features of an Employee Experience Platform
Most employee experience solutions often include features like:
- Personalized news and content feeds
- Social networking and communities
- Digital workplace apps and integrations
- Surveys, feedback, and sentiment tracking
- Employee recognition and rewards
- Analytics and insights on engagement
Benefits of Employee Experience Platforms
Leading digital employee experience platforms, like Workvivo and Staffbase, aim to enhance both everyday work and overall well-being. They help organizations build a stronger culture, improve communication, and tie daily work to broader business goals.
An effective EXP doesn’t just distribute information—it actively shapes how employees feel about their work and their connection to the organization. That’s why executive involvement is so critical for EXP success, ensuring the platform reflects company values and drives meaningful engagement.
Read more about intranet trends
9 Ways to Get Executives to Participate in Your EXP or Intranet Adoption Strategy
Whether you are using a modern intranet or an employee experience platform (EXP), success depends on leadership involvement. A platform only delivers value when executives are visible, active, and aligned with business goals. Here are 9 practical ways to get your leadership team engaged and driving intranet adoption across the organization.
1. Add a “Leader’s Corner” to Your Intranet Homepage
A dedicated “Leader’s Corner” gives executives a consistent place to connect with the organization.
This can include:
- CEO video messages
- Monthly reflections from department heads
- Strategic updates tied to business goals
This not only boosts transparency—it positions the intranet or EXP as a central communication tool that matters.
Need more Intranet homepage ideas? Read more about intranet design trends
2. Invite Executives to Announce Intranet Campaigns and New Features
Executives play a critical role in setting the tone for new digital tools. When they publicly launch a feature, campaign, or EXP rollout, it builds legitimacy.
For example:
- Have your COO introduce a new social recognition tool
- Ask your CEO to kick off an internal innovation challenge
- Let VPs champion departmental microsites
Leadership visibility signals priority—and encourages employees to follow suit.
3. Build an Intranet Editorial Calendar for Leadership Posts
Your executives are busy—but consistent communication builds trust and engagement.
Create a lightweight executive intranet content calendar with suggested themes like:
- “What I’m Learning” reflections
- Shout-outs to high-performing teams
- Commentary on company values in action
You can even provide templated prompts or ghostwriting support to make it easier for leaders to participate regularly.
4. Educate executives through intranet adoption courses
Formal training helps executives fully understand their role in driving intranet adoption. On-demand intranet courses and workshops tailored for leaders give them the tools to model effective engagement, communicate consistently, and link the platform to business outcomes. These programs ensure executives are confident, informed, and ready to champion the intranet as a strategic driver of success.
5. Leverage Short Video Messages to Increase Intranet Engagement
Video is one of the most effective formats for executive communication on intranet platforms.
Even 60-second selfie-style videos from leadership can:
- Boost content views and engagement
- Make leadership feel more accessible
- Increase emotional connection to company priorities
Embed videos in your intranet homepage, newsletters, or announcement banners.
6. Launch a Leadership-Led Employee Recognition Series
Recognition is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement and when it comes from leadership, it’s even more impactful.
Create a recurring employee recognition program like:
- “Executive Shout-Outs”
- “Leaders Spotlight”
- “Top Collaborators of the Month”
Use your intranet’s social and engagement tools to make recognition visible, commentable, and shareable.
7. Involve Executives in Your Intranet Content Strategy
Bring leadership into your content governance process. Invite them to quarterly planning sessions or feedback loops.
Benefits of an executive intranet content strategy include:
- Ensuring content reflects company strategy
- Prioritizing business-critical topics
- Gaining leadership support for long-term intranet growth
This creates true alignment between your digital workplace and executive priorities.
8. Share Intranet Usage Metrics with Leadership
When engagement grows, let executives know. Celebrate the wins together, and help them recognize their influence in driving change.
Example intranet usage metrics to share with executives:
- “After your video update, intranet traffic rose 23%”
- “Your campaign launch post received the most comments this quarter”
Sharing intranet metrics builds a feedback loop and keeps leadership invested in the intranet's success.
9. Connect the Intranet and EXP to Corporate Strategy
The most powerful way to earn executive buy-in? Show how the intranet and EXP reinforce core business priorities.
Examples of how to align your intranet and corporate strategy:
- Use the platform to promote OKR alignment
- Link content to company values and vision
- Highlight how EXP tools support DEI, innovation, or employee growth
This turns your platform into more than just a tool, it becomes a strategic asset.
Get professional support on your intranet adoption strategy
Once executive engagement is in place, the next step is building an intranet adoption strategy that lasts. Social Edge helps you design the right structure, ownership model, and long-term vision so your intranet or employee experience platform drives measurable business results.
Our intranet strategy services provide hands-on support to boost adoption, connect leadership with employees, and create a scalable framework that grows with your organization. If you’re ready to move beyond initial momentum, we can help turn executive support into a sustainable adoption plan that delivers real impact.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about executive involvement in intranets and employee experience platforms
Why is executive involvement important in intranet adoption?
Executive involvement is important because leaders set the tone for how digital tools are perceived. When executives model active use, share updates, and connect the platform to business goals, employees are more likely to engage consistently.
How can executives add value to an employee experience platform?
Executives can add value by sharing updates, recognizing employees, leading campaigns, and linking content to company strategy. Their visibility builds trust and encourages adoption.
What type of intranet content should executives create?
Executives should focus on transparent updates, strategic priorities, recognition messages, and short video communications. These help employees feel informed and connected to leadership.
How can intranet metrics be used to motivate executives?
Intranet metrics highlight the impact of executive actions, such as spikes in traffic after a leader’s post or high engagement with recognition content. Sharing these insights reinforces their role in driving adoption.
