Context
Harzwasserwerke, a German utilities and water supply company with 281 employees, operates across approximately 20 locations.
Before HWWnet, the “intranet” was essentially a structured list of links within SharePoint. It lacked intuitive navigation, clear information architecture, and any meaningful social or collaborative functionality. Communication was largely top-down and static, with no shared digital space to connect employees across operational sites, administration, and management.
Although the technical foundation was relatively new, heavy customization had made the system overly complex and difficult to use. Instead of improving usability, it created confusion and limited editorial flexibility. After a thorough analysis, it became clear that incremental improvements would not solve the structural challenges. A complete rebuild was the only sustainable path forward.
The challenge
Harzwasserwerke faced several critical issues:
- No shared digital space across 20+ locations
- Predominantly top-down communication
- Limited transparency between departments
- Confusing information architecture
- Low editorial flexibility and limited interaction
The solution
With Powell, Harzwasserwerke launched HWWnet, a social intranet built around three pillars: structure, interaction, and community.
Structured information that enables dialogue
Corporate news and departmental updates are now centrally published and enriched with likes and comments. Information is no longer static. It becomes a conversation. Metadata-based targeting ensures that relevant content automatically reaches the right audiences without overwhelming editors. Each organizational unit has its own clearly structured page, providing orientation and transparency.
A strong social dimension
A centrally placed social wall on the homepage allows every employee to contribute. From operational updates at dam sites to everyday milestones and personal achievements, employees share authentic insights from their work.
Personal profile pages, inc
luding optional details such as start date, interests, and birthdays, make colleagues visible beyond their location or role. Interactive formats like a Q&A section and glossary leverage collective expertise. An employee marketplace strengthens informal exchange and practical collaboration.
A fully integrated digital workplace
HWWnet is accessible via desktop and MS Teams. Smart notifications, targeted alerts, and innovative features such as the employee shop built with Powell widgets combine practical value with engagement. The result is a living communication ecosystem that balances structure and participation in a sustainable way.
KPIs
The impact of the relaunch is clearly measurable:
📊 Measured Impact (2024-2025)
Engagement year over year
Visits per active user since Q4/23
Searches per active user since Q4/23
These figures demonstrate significantly higher adoption, interaction, and information usage.
Results
HWWnet successfully connects operational field workers and office staff in one shared digital space.
✨ Key Results
- Collaboration – Strengthened knowledge-sharing across 20 sites.
- Transparency – Moving from top-down silos to open dialogue.
- Innovation – A dynamic platform reflecting HWW’s forward-thinking spirit.
“We are very proud of our social intranet. It strengthens collaboration, accelerates knowledge-sharing, and reflects the innovative spirit that drives our organization forward.”
— Alexander Frerichs, Head of Business Development at Harzwasserwerke
“Our social intranet is more than a platform – it is a living space for dialogue, transparency, and shared identity. We are proud of how it brings our people closer together and strengthens our communication culture.”
— Sarah Schrader, Head of Corporate Communications and Project Lead
The project was a collaborative effort between the customer team, management sponsor Alexander Frerichs, IT lead Sebastian Kroll, the implementation partner HIRSCHTEC, and Powell as the platform provider.
Conclusion
HWWnet proves that a successful intranet relaunch is not about optimizing complexity but about questioning it. By starting from user needs and rebuilding with simplicity, structure, and social interaction at its core, Harzwasserwerke transformed a static system into a dynamic digital workplace. An intranet can be more than a tool. It can become the digital heart of an organization.
About the Partner: HIRSCHTEC
Specializing in the digitization of internal communication and collaboration since 2005, HIRSCHTEC customers get everything from a single source: from developing the big picture for the digital workplace to the introduction and further development of intranets , employee apps and digital workplaces based on M365, from the automation of workflows to support in digital leadership .
Ready to transform your communication?
Trinity Resting
Product Marketing Manager
Product marketing doesn’t have to be all jargon and slides—Trinity’s here to prove it’s about creating human connections. With 5 years in digital marketing, she’s been scaling, building, and transforming product strategies that resonate with real people. At Powell, Trinity ensures the message isn’t just heard, but felt. She’s passionate about helping teams go beyond the office and build lasting relationships. When she’s not crafting strategies, you’ll find her sipping tea (she’s a self-proclaimed tea-aholic) or working as a professional dog sitter—because, let’s be honest, dogs are the ultimate team players.
