Generative Artificial Intelligence is transforming workplaces across the globe, and Microsoft Copilot, which made its debut last year, is at the forefront of this revolution. As an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft 365, Copilot is redefining productivity and collaboration.
With 79% of companies recently surveyed by CNBC reporting adoption of Microsoft Copilot in some capacity, its impact on the workplace is tangible, with early adopters highlighting gains in productivity and efficiency. But what does this mean for internal communicators and the intranet platforms you use?
For those with SharePoint-based intranets in the Microsoft 365 environment, the increase in adoption of Copilot is good news. Eventually, as Copilot matures, these intranets are likely to have greater connectivity to data, resulting in better search functionality, faster content generation and offering end users more personalised employee experiences.
However, the situation is different for those relying on non-Microsoft platforms. Using a separate SaaS-based intranet alongside Microsoft 365 can create friction. Compatibility and data accessibility hurdles mean Copilot might not function seamlessly unless costly custom integrations are developed. The outcome? More complexity, higher expenses and potential limitations in leveraging Copilot’s full capabilities.
Recent events, like the high-profile data breach at Disney that prompted a shift from Slack to Microsoft Teams, have also underscored the importance of having secure, centralised systems. By keeping your internal communications within the Microsoft ecosystem, you can not only tap into the latest tech like Copilot, but you also minimise security risks associated with data storage across disparate platforms. Microsoft 365’s robust security infrastructure is another compelling reason for adopting a Copilot-compatible, SharePoint-based intranet, especially when sensitive internal information is at stake.
With many executives exploring generative AI as a business priority, aligning your internal comms strategy with overarching business objectives is more crucial than ever. Adopting a Copilot-compatible intranet can position your team as forward-thinking, strategically aligned to your leadership’s vision. By choosing a SharePoint-based intranet, you support your organisation’s broader push towards AI integration.
Just imagine this scenario: when asked about your intranet choice, you confidently explain how your decision to use a SharePoint-based intranet aligns with your company’s generative AI initiatives, a topic often discussed on shareholder calls. That you’re not just managing communications—you’re reinforcing a tech strategy that directly supports productivity and innovation. This alignment can elevate the perceived value of your role and the communications function within the company.
As Monique Zytnik, a thought leader in internal communications, aptly notes in her recent book Internal Communications in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, the communicators who thrive in the AI era will be those who master the nuances of these technologies. “With all the change technology brings, we need to ensure that our strategy approach is contemporary. Smart. And that it puts us in the right mindset for the future,” she said.
Ultimately internal communicators should care about Microsoft Copilot not least because it’s the latest tech trend. More importantly, it’s about making a strategic decision that aligns your communication tools with business priorities, enhancing security and preparing your organisation for an AI-driven future. So, as you look to future-proof your internal comms strategy, putting a Copilot-ready intranet like SharePoint in your tech stack might just be the most forward-thinking move that keeps your organisation one step ahead.
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