Success Story
 
 

Nationwide – A National Social Network

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Nationwide has grown over the last 80 years
from a small mutual auto insurer to one of the largest insurance and financial
services companies in the world, with more than $135 billion in statutory
assets. In 2007, the company embarked on a large-scale project toward
being more collaborative, flattening hierarchies, and increasing company-
wide knowledge flow and access. The insurance giant felt it crucial that they
maintain the scale and influence of a large company but be able to deliver a
personalized experience and the feeling of a close-knit community for every
policyholder – to think global but act local.

“Nationwide’s Yammer site grew to over

8500 associates and agents in under 10
months and more importantly, it got more Organization Nationwide
than 40% of the company’s top leadership Industry Insurance

into the Nationwide Social Network.” Employees

Founded
33,000
1926
- Srinivas Koushik, Chief Technology Officer, Nationwide Revenue $20.8 B
 
Solution
Nationwide chose Yammer as its primary communication channel in its push toward
flattened hierarchy and better management. The network grew quickly, with adoption
from the full spectrum of employees, salespeople to executives. Yammer has allowed
senior leaders within Nationwide to communicate with employees in a sincere and
informal manner, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The company has also
reported significantly improved knowledge flow across silos and geographical regions –
Nationwide employees are better informed and connected than ever. Finally, the
company sees innovation coming from all levels, unconstrained by corporate hierarchy.

Results and Benefits

 Fostering a Culture of Transparency: Associates and Executives are more connected,
feeling open to communication in a less formal environment than email or meetings.
 Better Innovation: The best ideas are surfaced and discussed regardless of their origin,
and management can take notice of the company’s brightest stars.
 Better Knowledge Flow: Knowledge isn’t siloed into specific regions or departments.