June 12, 2020 BY CORDELIA NEWBURY
Let’s face it, we need consistent updates
Most teams are starting to wonder what the next “new normal” will look like, including going back into offices. For employees, it can be confusing to plan for the day, let alone plan what the next few weeks and months will look like without reliable access to company news.
Although email is widely used to send updates, many employees have an overload of emails flooding their inboxes, and information can slip through the cracks. Employees need a more reliable and centralized place to find updates, preferably one that does not require learning a new set of tools or picking up a new habit.
Centralize on the homepage
Luckily there is a quick and easy win to keep your team informed without introducing new processes. Update your team’s Lightning homepage to include COVID-19-specific updates, resources, and links. As most users start their day on the homepage, it is a great way to provide important ongoing information.
You can update your homepage, or any other page layout, using the Lightning App Builder, which is available to all admins using Lightning. It is a simple drag-and-drop interface that gives you control over what your users see on the homepage. Components such as Rich Text, Quip, and Chatter are three examples of homepage additions that can help you centralize information and keep your team up to date. The simplest component to use is Rich Text. You can add written messages and link to other resources right from this component, making it the most versatile option.
Admin hero tip: While you are in the Lightning App Builder, check out any other components that may make your team’s day easier, and consider adding those to the homepage or any other page that makes sense for your team.
Spotlight on updating the homepage using the Lightning App Builder
Let’s take a look at an example. Cloud Kicks is a West Coast shoe manufacturer. They have a factory in Fresno, California, and offices in Fresno and Oakland, California. They use Salesforce to track production and sales, and all employees are in the platform regardless of where they work. As different areas of California are on different tracks to open up, and as employees who work out of offices have more flexibility to work from home, Cloud Kicks is planning to safely reopen the Fresno factory first. Cloud Kicks employees need clear, up-to-date information on what the reopening plan is, what the new safety precautions will be, and what they can do in the interim to stay healthy and productive.
The admin at Cloud Kicks added a Rich Text component to the homepage with an overarching message to employees to focus on their health and families above all else. The admin also added links to more detailed spreadsheets like one to “Track office reopening” as well as resources employees need to stay informed and healthy.
Adding these updates front and center on the homepage means that all employees have easy access to important information, and do not have to search email or a message board for the latest company news.
Three simple steps to make updates to your homepage
Updating your homepage to help centralize COVID-19 information is just the tip of the iceberg. Use the Lightning App Builder to make your homepage, or any page, work for your team. Simple updates can give your employees information that will help them do their jobs better and stay in the loop. Follow these simple steps to get started today:
Speak with your leadership team and make a plan for what your employees need to access from your homepage. Decide if you will refresh messaging daily, weekly, or on the fly, and let that inform how you set up the right component for your needs. Designate a point person to create messaging, and set a timeline for updates so that no information falls through the cracks.
Learn how to build a custom homepage with the Lightning App Builder module available for free on Trailhead. This learning will give you step-by-step directions to create your custom homepage, or any other page you’d like to improve.
Make updates to your users’ homepage in the Lightning App Builder.
Share your success and keep learning
Your team will be thrilled to have critical information centralized where they already work—on the homepage. Connect with your leaders to identify what updates are most appropriate, and make it work for your team. Once you’ve made the updates, inspire other Trailblazers like you to do the same by sharing your story in the Customer Success Community Group and use #AlignYourTeam to stay connected.
Built your first homepage update and ready to do more? Check out the following Accelerator, which is included for Premier customers, where you’ll get 1-to-1 guidance from a Salesforce expert.
Also, take a look at the Help and Training articles available to all customers, and learn more about setup steps and the Rich Text component.
Want to learn more?
Tune in to the Align Your Teams Using In-App Tools webinar to learn best practices and next steps to use Lightning App Builder to update your homepage. Register now.
