"Ultimately, we do this for the end user. It's important to equip their digital workplace with the right tools, but above all, it must truly support the employees! This means the digital workplace with applications, and information flows must fully align with their needs and experiences. Only then can we ensure they are genuinely supported in their daily work!"

Before the rollout, Waterschap Rivierenland replaced traditional file servers with modern solutions like SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. This laid the foundation for a smooth implementation of MoDeX.

MVP: A digital workplace for musk rat control teams

As a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Waterschap Rivierenland chose a specific group: the musk rat control teams. These fieldworkers combat musk rats, which pose a significant risk to Dutch water defences due to their burrowing tunnels and holes. Their work spans from the North Sea coast to the German border and from North Limburg to Friesland. They rarely visit the office in Tiel, at most, twice a year.

Marsha Bos explains:

"By first migrating the MRB department and learning from this pilot, we were able to streamline communication. Any uncertainties or resistance could be addressed in later stages."

Since musk rat control teams primarily use SaaS applications like TrAPP (catch registration), UBW (time tracking), and ADP (HR self-service), the pilot was executed quickly and efficiently. The transition began in July 2024.

Smooth onboarding despite digital hurdles

Although IT is seen by many as a necessary evil, the onboarding process went smoothly. Within a single day, iPhones were backed up, laptops set up, and employees personally guided through the transition to MoDeX. Thanks to an intensive session, they went home feeling positive—ready to get back to work in nature.

The pilot proved that successful onboarding goes beyond technology alone: understanding the user is just as important. Musk rat control teams are not digital experts—and they don't need to be. By tailoring the approach to their specific work and learning styles, the transition was seamless.

Richard Berger notes:

"Despite their limited digital skills, they patiently adapted to MoDeX. This underscores the importance of accessible, user-friendly solutions."

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for everyone. Onboarding must cater to the unique needs of users—not just to keep them satisfied but also to create ambassadors for future changes.

Organisation-wide onboarding: Focusing on the user

Following the successful MVP, Workspace 365 was gradually rolled out to the remaining 900 employees from September 2024. Open Line and Waterschap Rivierenland developed a carefully structured onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition.

Marsha Bos highlights the importance of a structured approach:

"A successful implementation hinges on adoption. Open Line provided a solid foundation, which we could complement with effective communication. Thanks to the training sessions, we ensured that all colleagues were engaged."

Richard Berger adds:

"At Waterschap Rivierenland, the focus was on the end user. Through step-by-step guidance, we ensured employees felt comfortable with their new digital workplace."

To make the transition as accessible as possible, employees participated in interactive 120-minute training sessions in groups of up to 24 people. During these sessions, they learned how to navigate and personalise their new digital workplace. On the first day, 60% of employees had already set up their personal digital workplace.

Revamped intranet: Everything in one place

Alongside the cloud transition, Waterschap Rivierenland also revamped its intranet, called STROOM. The existing intranet no longer met requirements and was set to be phased out by early 2025. While a SharePoint solution was initially considered, Workspace 365’s intranet functionalities proved to be simpler, more user-friendly, and more cost-effective.

Marsha Bos explains the importance of this integration:

"By integrating the intranet with the digital workplace, we ensure that colleagues no longer need to search in multiple places for information. This increases efficiency and improves news reach."

Thanks to The Hub and integration with Microsoft Engage, Waterschap Rivierenland employees have everything in one central location with Workspace 365—not just a digital workplace but also an intranet for internal communication.

Positive employee feedback

The new digital workplace has been enthusiastically received by Waterschap Rivierenland employees. The intuitive interface, quick access to documents, and the ability to personalise the digital workplace are particularly appreciated.

Marsha Bos shares her overall experience with Workspace 365:

Individual employees also share positive feedback.

Jénine Overheul, a user, says:

"I’m excited about MoDeX. Logging in is easy, and documents are easy to find. I’ve already set up my personal page, and this will definitely make my work more efficient."

Adrie van Kessel adds:

"Even if something doesn’t work, I can’t be mad. It’s such a friendly system. The layout is beautiful and clear. Plus, the support from the implementation team has been amazing. I’m happy with it."

Together, we simplify IT

The collaboration between Waterschap Rivierenland and Open Line highlights the unique value of a specialised onboarding partner. Thanks to Open Line’s expertise and personalised approach, the transition to Workspace 365 was smooth and fully tailored to end-user needs.

This collaboration demonstrates that focusing on adoption and user experience is key to a successful digital transformation. Workspace 365 continues to simplify IT landscapes and provide personalised solutions that truly make work easier—together with partners like Open Line.