F&O required an intranet that could house F&O's mission, vision, and behaviours as well as key confidential content and updates for low or no cost. Under budget constraints, the cost of an intranet software and service, which was more than $50,000 a year for the number of F&O staff, was simply not possible.
After reviewing multiple options, I found a way to create a free, confidential intranet using Google Sites and Google Drive. The site was designed using a pre-existing HR-controlled Google Group to ensure only F&O staff had access to the contents inside.
Two drives were also set up—one with view access and the other with edit—to display additional content, such as PDFs, and enable engagement. From town hall updates to a call to post pictures of their pets, the F&O Lunch Room is a unique channel that captures the lively culture of F&O.
Positive testimonials from HR indicating that the Lunch Room was useful to their group during COVID
1,400 users viewed the Lunch Room 11,400 times since launch in late May 2020
The Lunch Room was viewed over 900 times in the three days following its launch