Norway

Communication World, March-April, 2005 by Kevin Widlic

Like many companies, Norsk Hydro has an intranet system that serves as the backbone for its internal communication program. Hydro's businesses are diverse, and with scores of subsites, its intranet reflects this diversity. A challenge is identifying and sharing our best practices.

As a tool for communication, the speed and the reach of the intranet has been apparent especially with regard to organizational announcements--and the results are clearly thumbs-up.

Our automotive team has worked toward using the intranet for motivational purposes, largely by promoting sector projects, products and people. The work is paying off. We have developed an exciting "automotive" culture that is proven in part by the high number and quality of applicants for positions within the business. Our HR staff reports that similar positions posted by other sectors normally attract fewer applicants.

The integration of our e-learning program in particular has been a super move. This includes making the program easy to access--also from home--and easy to find. Our latest user survey confirms this, with employees answering that their effectiveness and productivity have been improved through our multilingual e-learning program.

Good and targeted communication work is adding value to our business.

Kevin Widlic, Oslo, Norway