Employee Experience: Mobile First

In a world where smartphones are such a huge part of our everyday lives, it makes sense that companies should be driving their internal communications platform onto a mobile-friendly format. Since the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic started, the use of mobile communications within companies rose drastically following remote working, and despite pressures, employee engagement has continued to rise as a direct result of this.

Mobile technology is a crucial tool used by companies to improve and maximise employee engagement when used successfully. Poor workplace technology has the power to negatively impact the wellbeing of a workforce just as much as good technology can empower them. We recently commissioned an in-depth study into the drivers of employee engagement from the perspective of employees and found that over two-thirds (65%) of UK senior decision-makers say poor workplace technology negatively impacts their work:life balance, their mental health and financial wellbeing.

To be able to increase and maintain employee engagement, employers and decision makers should consider embracing mobile technology and communications during a mobile-first age, to be able to provide staff with the information they want, when and wherever they need it on the platforms and devices they use every day. Our survey shows that workers use their mobile devices for an array of daily tasks; one-third of men (33%) and women (36%) manage their finances through their phones for example, with one quarter (26%) of UK workers admitting that they have no idea what their pension is worth its clear more accessibility of information is needed. Companies who provide their workforce with access to information about their pay, and pension, along with accessible benefits through a mobile-friendly system are building strong, informed and engaged employees.

There are several reasons why employers should consider implementing mobile communication within the workplace. As seen during lockdown, this form of communication has the power to keep all employees well-informed and in communication with the business and colleagues. This means that for businesses that have both a desk-based and mobile workforce, everyone can stay in constant connection thanks to mobile communication.

By having an app that hosts an employee portal, vital updates and company news can be quickly circulated to all employees, meaning that no-one will miss out due to their location of work. This can lead to higher engagement levels as employees feel connected to and valued by their company, and in turn can lead to increased productivity at between 20 and 25 per cent when a workforce engages with the business, whilst productivity increases by 18 per cent and profitability by 12 per cent.