How Deka achieved 90% daily intranet usage with Haiilo
Deka led an intranet transformation that secured buy-in, strengthened engagement, and now sees 90% daily usage.
Key stats
5,600
employees
90 %
daily intranet useage
1,800
voluntary subscriptions to topic pages
Industry:
Financial services
Use case:
Intranet
Goal:
Modernize internal communication and strengthen exchange
Partner:
HIRSCHTEC
About Deka
Deka Group – consisting of DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale and its subsidiaries – is the securities services provider of the German Savings Banks Finance Group.
With €440 billion in assets under management (as of September 30, 2025) and around 5.9 million managed custody accounts, Deka is one of Germany’s largest securities and real estate asset managers.
Around 5,600 employees work primarily in office-based roles in Frankfurt, as well as in Leipzig, Düsseldorf, Luxembourg and other international locations.
In 2020, Deka launched a strategic transformation program to actively shape major trends such as digitalization, sustainability and new ways of working. A key pillar of that transformation was modernizing internal communication.
Because if you want to improve how you work, you also have to improve how people connect.
The challenge
Replacing a system everyone used, but no one loved
For more than 20 years, Deka relied on a legacy intranet. Technically outdated. Limited search. No personalization. Visually dated. And yet, more than 80% of employees used it daily.
That was the real challenge. Because this wasn’t about launching something new. It was about replacing something deeply embedded in everyday work without losing trust, reach or habit.
On top of that, employees had very different technical skill levels and expectations. Editors across departments needed to restructure and redesign their content. Change had to be handled carefully – and transparently.
Deka didn’t just need a new platform, they needed one that would:
- Create acceptance
- Support cultural change
- Make modern ways of working tangible
- And improve interaction and connection across the organization
“Employees should feel that Deka is an innovation leader not only externally, but internally as well. We invest not only in client projects, but also in modern communication tools for our people.”
Lena Hoppenrath
Corporate Communications Manager, Deka
Why Deka chose Haiilo
After a comprehensive selection process, Haiilo stood out as a modern SaaS solution that combined usability, flexibility and long-term development.
Key factors included:
- An intuitive, user-friendly interface
- Powerful search functionality
- Flexible subscription models (mandatory and optional)
- Strong networking and collaboration features
- Seamless Microsoft Teams integration
- Continuous product development and an active customer community
For Deka, it wasn’t just about features, it was about choosing a platform that would continue to grow.
“The intranet is a living system that keeps developing. Haiilo convinced us not least because they continuously evolve their solution, but stay close to us as a partner.”
Jennifer Jacoby
Head of Internal Communications & Publications, Deka
The rollout
Change before launch
Implementation began 24 months before go-live in November 2024.
An interdisciplinary core team worked closely together under the guiding principle “Together. Better. Informed.”.
The principles were simple:
1. Involve employees early
From the start, the team engaged colleagues across departments. Conversations, previews and open feedback built anticipation instead of resistance.
2. Train and empower editors
Departmental editors played a crucial role. They reviewed content, restructured pages, and learned the new system early, ensuring quality and ownership from day one.
3. Lead with empathetic change communication
The transition was supported by clear, transparent communication to address concerns openly and focus on the value the new platform would bring.
4. Bring leaders on board
Managers and employee representatives were involved early to ensure consistent messaging across teams.
5. Use familiar channels
Existing communication channels – intranet news, videos, events – were used to guide people through the transition. Dialogue was always encouraged.
6. Stay agile
Regular feedback loops, design sprints, and formats like the “inline Dialogue” continuously improved the platform.
The result was an intranet shaped around real employee needs.
How “Deka inline” works today
Today, the new intranet – Deka inline – is a natural part of everyday work.
It supports employees exactly where they need to share information, collaborate and stay aligned, with:
- Reliable news delivery
Mandatory subscriptions ensure no one misses a critical update. At the same time, employees can voluntarily subscribe to topics that matter to them. That balance between push and choice drives both reach and relevance.
- Real interaction
What was once static is now interactive. Likes, comments and reactions create real exchange and visible engagement.
- Events and dialogue
The integrated event function – for example the biannual “inline Dialogue” – boosts participation and feedback.
- Topic pages with real pull
Up to 1,800 voluntary subscriptions to topic pages show strong demand for knowledge sharing. AI-related content in particular generates significant interest.
- Usability to reduce friction
Clear navigation and powerful search make information easier to find – and easier to trust. - Seamless integrations
Through 130+ integrations, including Microsoft Teams, employees can access content directly within their daily workflow.
The results
- 90% daily usage
- 1,800 voluntary topic subscriptions
- Nomination for the INKOMETA Award in the category “Change Communication”
Deka successfully replaced a legacy system without losing adoption. In fact, they increased it.
Today, Deka inline is more than an information platform. It’s a shared digital space that strengthens connection, transparency and participation across the organization.