What Is Employee Communication Software for Deskless Workers?

From information delivery to performance management, it would be difficult to list all the ways in which effective employee communication can make—or break—a company’s ability to function smoothly, retain talent, and maintain compliance. It’s no wonder, then, that the market for employee communication apps is growing by the day. 

But with so many options available to business leaders, how do you find the right software platform for your business? In this article we’re going to explore how you can improve communication and keep connected with non-desk workers, including with Yourco’s two-way texting platform.

Why Is Employee Communications So Important?

Employee communication—also known as internal communication—enables collaboration and the sharing of ideas within an organization. As such, it is vital for any business, whether your employees sit at desks or are constantly on the move from one jobsite to another. 

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of effective communication, and being able to evaluate different internal employee communication platforms for companies to find the best fit. One Forbes study found that “for over 40% of workers, poor communication reduces trust both in leadership and in their team,” and almost half “report their productivity being affected by ineffective communication.”

What Is Employee Communication Software?

These software applications enable two-way communication between employees and managers, with the best internal employee communication platforms also including a range of features for customization and integration with other business systems. Depending on the organization and its needs, they may use one or more employee communication tools in the workplace such as email, instant messaging, and SMS/text messaging platforms.

Why Are Employee Communications Programs Necessary?

When it comes to creating a positive and productive work environment, effective communication is absolutely vital—making employee communication apps a must. This is especially true in industries with a large subset of non-desk workers, such as manufacturing and construction. In these and similar industries, employees aren’t checking their work email or other internal employee communication platforms very often—if at all—throughout their day, unlike office-based workers.

Whether your employees sit at desks or work out in the field, employee communication software provides a number of benefits, including:

• An Improved Employee Experience: When employers prioritize effective communication, they are more likely to understand the concerns and priorities of their employees, and more likely to be accessible and responsive when needed. These points contribute to improved morale and a positive overall work environment.
• Less Turnover, Increased Retention: When employees feel valued and understood, they are more likely to stick around. By contrast, if employees feel “out of the loop” due to not being in the physical office often, it’s only natural that they’ll eventually feel less-than-valued. Considering how much more cost-effective it is to retain existing employees than replace them, improving employee communication should be a priority for any organization.
• Increased Productivity: A recent study found that for nearly three-fourths (72%) of employees, effective communication leads to increased productivity. Simply put, better communication leads to better collaboration and problem solving. When employees have a question or concern and can quickly address it—and receive a response—they don’t have to waste time waiting for direction.
• Cost Savings: Understanding the cost savings associated with effective communication begins with considering the costs of poor communication. These can include misunderstandings, missed deadlines, an increased need for resources, and so on. WIth effective communication, on the other hand, productivity and employee retention are both increased, delivering potentially massive savings.

What Are the Best Communications Platforms for Non-Desk Workers?

For non-desk workers, accessibility is one of the most important considerations when selecting a communications platform—making text messaging an ideal option. Whereas with office-based workers it’s easy enough to drop by someone’s desk or slide a meeting onto their calendar, it’s not nearly as easy for deskless workers. 

So, when non-desk workers are out working, how do you best reach them? After all, they don’t typically have a dedicated workstation, and certainly don’t spend their day sitting at a desk. What they do have, though, is a mobile phone, which usually means they can access emails and texts. Of these two communication forms, texting is better from a logistical perspective since it’s so easy to read and respond without disrupting their work.

Specific advantages of text messaging with a platform like Yourco include:

• Near-instant communication, including mass/group texting
• A better open rate (97%) than email (35%)
• Quicker response time (often a matter of minutes) than email
• Improved reach, since every mobile device can send/receive SMS/text
• The ability to schedule or automate messages
• Cost savings over other communication platforms and providers
• Employees don’t have to download (and learn to use) any new apps

Get Started with Yourco Today

Keep employees connected and engaged—wherever they are—with Yourco’s employee texting platform. It’s easy to set up, and you can use it to send employee alerts, onboarding and employee training materials and updates, and more. Ideal for industries like construction and manufacturing.

Contact us to set up a demo, or try it out for free today!