Creating Impactful Change: Odense Renovation's Digital Workplace Transformation

Danish waste management company Odense Renovation has achieved measurable improvements in internal communication and engagement by implementing a new Omnia-based intranet. Moving from a static, one-way communication system, the company now fosters dynamic, interactive dialogue across teams, enhancing transparency, knowledge-sharing, and user engagement.

This transformation has led to clear, tangible results in organizational communication. “We wanted to move beyond one-way communication that only relayed management messages to employees. With Omnia, we now have a modern, interactive platform that’s easier to use and reaches everyone effectively,” says Thea Madsen, Communication Consultant at Odense Renovation.

“The accessibility of information has greatly improved, and publishing and targeting content is simpler and more efficient.”

Odense Renovation serves 190,000 people in the Municipality of Odense, providing comprehensive waste management services, operating recycling stations, and producing energy from landfill gas. The company’s previous intranet had limited interactivity and was primarily used as a news channel, often leaving users frustrated with poor information access. Omnia was selected to address these challenges and increase the platform's usability, search functionality, and inclusiveness.

“Around 70% of our staff work in the field, so finding a user-friendly platform for both frontline and back-end users was essential. Omnia fit these needs well and offered strong integration with SharePoint, a system we already rely on,” Thea explains.

After a nine-month implementation process, Odense Renovation launched the new intranet in September 2023. The company opted for a standard Omnia setup, with two custom integrations: one with the Skyfish image-sharing app and another displaying Odense Renovation's Instagram feed. This social integration supports employees in staying informed on company-wide activities, making the intranet a centralized communication hub and reducing reliance on alternative channels like email.

Odense Renovation’s new intranet supports the company’s goal of creating a more open, inclusive culture, encouraging employees to actively participate, share ideas, and engage with colleagues. Although interest in management updates is strong, employees are still adjusting to the intranet as an open forum for communication.

To bridge this gap, Thea and her team are implementing engagement initiatives, including campaigns, games, and challenges.

"Encouraging a cultural shift takes time," Thea notes. “Our objective is to build a democratic, transparent space where everyone can share their ideas, knowledge, and feedback. The platform is ready, and each step forward is a step toward a more collaborative workplace.”

The intranet’s impact has been immediate and positive. A recent survey revealed that 67% of employees find the new intranet’s user experience to be “better than good.” This high satisfaction rate is especially meaningful in a change-resistant organization. Additionally, there have been minimal support calls post-launch, underscoring Omnia's ease of use and the effectiveness of its search functionality.

With Omnia, Odense Renovation has not only improved access to information and user engagement but has also laid the groundwork for a more collaborative and transparent workplace. As employees become more comfortable with the new intranet, Odense Renovation is on track to establish an inclusive digital culture that supports its sustainability and operational goals.