Why every non-office worker needs an employee communications app on their phone?

Keeping all employees in the loop is critical for any organization. While office workers have easy access to emails, meetings and quick chats with colleagues, non-office employees often miss out. Whether they’re out in the field, working remotely or dealing with clients, it can be difficult to stay in touch. This is where employee communications apps come into play. These tools help non-office employees stay in the loop, stay engaged and get all the important information they need at the touch of a button. Here’s how these apps make the day-to-day lives of non-office workers easier and some practical tips for using them. 

1. Creating instant connectivity: the power of real-time updates 

One of the biggest benefits of employee communications apps is that they connect all employees, no matter where they are. These apps provide a single digital platform where employees can receive important information from management, other team members or other teams and chat with colleagues in real time. These apps also make it easy for team members to send quick updates to each other, whether it’s a project status, a new development or just a check-in. This instant communication helps everyone stay on the same page, reducing confusion and increasing efficiency. 

Suggestion: Utilize push notifications to ensure important messages are not missed. This feature helps get employees’ attention immediately and ensures timely updates and responses. 

2. Fostering a sense of belonging: boosting engagement and morale 

Employees who do not work in the office often feel excluded or disconnected from the corporate culture. Employee communications apps can change this by providing them with a virtual space where they can interact, share their small or big wins, and participate in company activities. Features like social feeds, recognitions that highlight employee achievements and contributions, and interactive polls help create a sense of community and belonging, which can really boost morale and job satisfaction. 

Suggestion: Consider an “employee of the month” award to recognize outstanding achievements, and make a point of publicly welcoming new team members. These initiatives can further strengthen the sense of community and make all employees feel valued and included. 

3. Access to critical information anytime, anywhere: simplifying information retrieval  

For non- office employees, getting access to important company information can be a challenge. Employee communications apps serve as a one-stop shop for important documents, updates and resources that employees can access anytime, anywhere. This means they have everything they need to do their jobs well, whether it’s new company policies, training materials or safety guidelines. Apps often have search functionalities that make finding specific information quick and easy. This is especially useful for non-office employees who need to access materials on the go. 

Suggestion: Use the employee communications app to send regular updates and reminders about where to find important information, especially when new documents are added. Set up an FAQ section in the app to address common questions and concerns so employees can find answers quickly. This feature improves the user experience by providing instant access to solutions and reducing the need for direct support. 

4. Immediate problem solving: real-time help and support  

Whenever a problem arises, employees outside the office can reach their managers or support teams immediately via instant messaging, video calls or other interactive features. For non-office employees, such as those working in the field or remotely, real-time support ensures they get the help they need quickly and without delay. This minimizes downtime and keeps projects on schedule. For employees, this means that their confidence and morale are boosted, leading to greater job satisfaction and a more positive work experience. 

Suggestion: Set up dedicated support channels within the app for different teams or topics (like IT Helpdesk, HR Support, Field Operations, Remote Assistance, Product Support). This way, employees know exactly where to go for specific issues, making the process more efficient and ensuring quicker responses. 

5. Ensuring safety and compliance: keeping non-office employees protected 

In workplaces where safety is a major concern, it’s important to keep non-office employees informed. Employee communications apps can send urgent safety alerts, conduct regular compliance checks, and provide training on safety procedures. By keeping your employees in the loop, you can minimize risk and provide a safer work environment. 

Suggestion: Introduce a system for employees to report safety concerns and incidents via the app to ensure issues are dealt with promptly. Create a hub for safety resources within the app where employees can easily access all safety-related information and materials. 

Conclusion 

Today, a significant percentage of employees work in the field, away from traditional office environments. In certain industries such as construction, logistics, healthcare and technical services, these workers often make up more than half of the workforce. Companies need to seriously consider whether they can afford for their employees to be unproductive, not create a safe working environment, not have the information they need to do their jobs or not collaborate with others.