Employee engagement doesn’t depend on having a traditional intranet. It’s shaped by how people work together—through trust, autonomy, and clear, human communication. In this session, we’ll take a look at how one organization has managed to keep employees engaged and connected without a structured intranet platform. Instead, they rely on tools like Slack, informal chats, and consistent manager involvement. Guided by research on self-determination and job demands, this company has built a setup where people have the freedom to work independently while still feeling part of a team. From flexible schedules and quick virtual coffee breaks to project groups and casual digital spaces, these simple practices have improved collaboration, reduced screen fatigue, and helped people get more done. We’ll break down how a strong work environment can be built without complex platforms, how autonomy and trust affect motivation, and how everyday communication tools can actually strengthen team dynamics and help prevent burnout. You’ll leave with straightforward ideas to support long-term engagement in hybrid and remote teams. In this session, you will learn

• How companies can build a strong sense of connection and engagement without using a traditional intranet.
• The role of autonomy, trust, and hands-on management in keeping remote and hybrid teams motivated and productive.
• How tools like Slack, casual chat groups, and virtual meetups can take over some of the functions of a formal intranet and still strengthen team dynamics.
• How a practical, people-first work culture can support employee retention and contribute to long-term performance.