What Is the #1 Communication App for Non-Desk Employees?

The #1  employee communication method for non-desk employees is texting. That’s because text messaging:

• Is easy to use for employees, since they already text everyday.
• Comes at no cost to employees.
• Does not require app downloads or data plans.

Employee communication apps may often be designed with at-desk employees in mind, but this isn’t the only option. In this blog, we explore what’s required for a business communications app to reach non-desk employees and which solution could be right for your organization.

What Is a Communication App?

A communication app is a software program that allows people to send and receive messages through a combination of text, voice, and file sharing. Employee communication apps are software programs that are specifically designed to meet the functionality, data storage, and security needs of a professional organization.

Often, employee communication apps are programmed with office settings in mind. Email, Slack, and Microsoft Teams are just a few communication examples that work best when employees have access to a desktop or laptop computer. Yet, a significant portion of the economy relies on non-desk employees to get the job done. In fact, LinkedIn reports that “deskless” jobs account for 80% of the workplace. Yet, of the $300 billion invested annually to develop workplace technology, only 1% is geared toward non-desk employees.

Instead of tailor-made services, businesses in industries that operate primarily in the field often have to force sub-optimal communication apps into their plan. For example, popular chat apps or email may seem like a quick fix, but they still come with significant challenges for non-desk workers, such as requiring:

• Cellular data plans that place the cost of employee communication on employees
• Employees to download an app on their personal device
• Increased cellular data needs that can’t always be met in the field
• Communication apps with groups chats that disclose employee contact information, lacking a necessary layer of privacy

There’s a better way. Texting-based communications platforms—like Yourco—keep the administrative perks of communication apps for managers while connecting with employees through the method they use most—text messaging. Watch our demo to learn more.   

What Is the Purpose of a Communication App?

For HR managers, the purpose of a communication app extends beyond simple messaging—it’s about creating a reliable, efficient, and engaging channel for connecting with your workforce, especially non-desk workers. In the workplace, a communication app serves as a vital tool for delivering clear and timely messages that are secure and accessible.

Whether you need to send out important updates, safety alerts, or policy changes, a communication app ensures that your employees receive the exact information they need when they need it. Moreover, it allows employees to respond quickly, fostering two-way communication that keeps everyone informed and engaged. The right communication app empowers HR managers to streamline communication processes, reduce misunderstandings, and enhance overall workplace connectivity.

What Is the Most Popular Communication App for Non-Desk Employees?

The most popular communication for non-desk employees isn’t actually an app—it’s text messaging. While free text messaging app options can be enticing for business leaders, going app-less (at least on the employee’s end) can lead to more effective communication. One of the reasons for this is that employees don’t trust communication apps that are required by work. In fact, 76% of Americans don’t trust CEOs to not sell personal data without consent, according to Pew Research. 

Often, this distrust leads to decreased use of work-related communication apps, and some employees won’t download them or use them at all! Obviously, you can’t run an effective—or safe—business without clear communication. The solution? Bypass the apps with Yourco. Watch our demo to learn more. 

Wondering if texting can be professional? Read our guide on how to use texting in a professional setting.

What Is the Number One Communication Skill?

In the workplace, the most important communication skill is connecting with your audience through a method that will actually be received. All too often, important announcements are sent through email as a default. Unfortunately, only 20% of emails get read—and that percentage is often less for non-desk workers who don’t have access to email in the first place. No matter how interesting or exciting the content of those emails is, it will most often go unread because of the channel of communication.

In contrast, 98% of text messages get read. That’s why switching to an SMS-based platform—like Yourco—can make such a significant impact on the effectiveness of your business’s communication plan. In addition to meeting your employee’s where they’re at, Yourco also checks off communication app best practices, such as:

• Assigning a unique phone number to your business
• Enabling customizable features to give your business the flexibility you need to optimize two-way communications
• Storing all communications, even on terminated staff, for future reference

Yourco: Employee Communication Made Easy

It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it. With Yourco, you can make the way you communicate with non-desk employees simple, non-invasive, and thorough. The result? Higher employee engagement with your messaging, which means better outcomes, improved safety, and increased job satisfaction.

When your team implements Yourco, you benefit from:

• No apps, internet, or new accounts required for employees
• Simple two-way communication
• Flexible admin controls
• Built-in polls & analytics
• 240+ HRIS & Payroll integrations
• Unlimited translations

Schedule a demo with our team or try it out for free today to see how effective it can be for operational messaging, emergency alerts, scheduling, and so much more.