With the increasingreliance on digital communications, non-desktop employees tend to be out of the loop. They don’t have ready access to the company intranet, email applications, and messaging services that are available to their deskbound counterparts.They may not even have company email addresses.For employees who are in small teams, travelling, or in the field, the lack of communication is aggravated by a feeling of isolation.
The lack of communication and isolation can lead to disengaged and unhappy non-desktop employees. These factors can make non-desktop users feel that the company has forgotten about them or simply does not care as long as they produce results.
In industries like hospitality, retail, and manufacturing where non-desktop workers outnumber desktop workers, a high level of disengagement can be debilitating. When a majority of your employees are disengaged or unhappy, it can translate to a lot of lost productivity.And if your unhappy workers are in contact with customers, it may affect your reputation and business.
Closing the Communication Gap
The gap in communication brought about by technology can also be closed by technology. Mobile communication platforms like Beekeeper can be used on mobile phones to open lines of communication to managers and amongst colleagues. From a financial standpoint, mobile phones are more affordable than providing non-desktop workers with laptops. And if your company has a BYOD (Bring your own device) policy; the costs of implementation can be driven down.
Company communication apps give non-desktop workers the lines of communication that are generally open to desktop workers: 1 to 1 and 1 to many messaging, file sharing, and enterprise social networking. And unlike laptops or desktop computers, mobile phones are generally within easy reach of the worker. They may leave their desk or step away from their laptops, but will rarely leave their phones behind.
What to Communicate
Company updates– Employees have a need to be kept in the loop on what’s going on in the company. It gives them a sense of belonging and security. Whether it is an update of the company goals, targets met, projects won, or a holiday message from the CEO, company updates boosts worker engagement. It reaffirms that they are a part of the company.
Recognition – Recognizing and rewarding workers who have done well is a good way of keeping them engaged. It can be a post on their achievement or a message of appreciation. It is something that the workers can look at with pride. Recognition and rewards keeps them motivated, knowing that the company appreciates their work.
Development programs –Development programs help keep employees engaged and has added benefits. The employees are able to update and expand their skill sets. It sends the message that the company values and is interested in theemployee’s personal development. And there is also the point that the company will benefit as skilled employees are valuable assets.
The mobile communication platform can be used to spread awareness of existing programs. It can even be set up so employees can make suggestions on programs that are needed or are interesting. The platform can also be used to facilitate registrations and expression of interest.
Schedule face to face meetings – Whether it is one on one or a town hall meeting or even a party, face to face meetings are great ways to keep non-desktop employees engaged. It allows employees to know each other and reinforce that they are part of team. Face to face meetings reinforce personal connections – non-desktop employees are not just numbers, they are people. It puts faces and a relatable person to the messages and posts that are made on the company communication app.
Company Communication
Mobile communication platforms allow companies to reach out to all of their employees and increase engagement. However, there is an added benefit in implementing a company communication app – it allows employees to reach each other. Non-desktop employees can communicate with their desktop and non-desktop colleagues. If facilitates sharing of information and networking within the company and thus helping in keeping all employees engaged.
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