The UK Recruiter Blog Carnival continues with a post about meeting the demands of your mobile workforce.
Technology is a vital part of having a successful mobile workforce, and it’s really not as simple as letting them use their personal phone. In fact, you’re sure to see an increase in productivity from your employee when you introduce the correct apps and mobile equipment. Updated technology is no longer an added bonus of the job but rather a must-have when it comes to keeping both your staff and clients happy. Here are a few pieces of advice to help you meet the demands of your mobile workforce and get the most from your team.
Consider what technology is appropriate for their role and location. A thin delicate tablet is no use to someone working on a building site for example, whereas it would be very handy for a salesperson. Rather than chucking tech at them and hoping for the best, do some research into the products will help them to do their specific job efficiently and what’s practical to use in a workplace setting. It’s also important to have a chat with them about what they really need.
Communication and collaboration are both key, when it comes to maintaining a mobile workforce. Introduce a cloud-based app such as Total Mobile to open a new means of communication that lives up to your staff’s expectations. This type of tech allows you to see live updates and get a real sense of how the job is going while giving your employee everything they need at their fingertips. This means they won’t have to heave around several devices or routinely call the office for their next task, keeping them happy and saving time. It also means they are always kept in the loop and can easily access information, making the job a whole lot easier.
Although emails and apps are incredibly useful means of communication, your mobile worker may need a printer when it comes to certain client documentation. Portable printers are handy devices that can be tucked away in a bag and are far from those bulky machines we’re used to seeing. Talk to your staff to see if this is something they want – it may be the solution they were looking for when it comes to paperwork on the go. If you’re not sure where to start your search, TechRadar has a great article on the best portable printers here.
Technology goes hand in hand with improving and maintaining employee morale, especially if they can’t make it into the office for a team meeting. Consider purchasing a conference phone or using a laptop so they can be involved in the meeting via Skype. Not only does this ensure they feel involved with the rest of the group, but it’ll also allow you to discuss any problems they may be running into. It’s much easier to explain and deal with a problem together rather than letting them deal with it on their own. Make sure you have regular meetings where they are free to express their opinions.
As well as mobile technology, it’s important to ensure your external workers don’t feel left out or forgotten about on a personal level. According to Forbes, promoting positive employee morale directly benefits your business, as does getting to know them on a more relaxed basis. As mentioned, keep them in the loop with regularly scheduled meetings and messaging systems to ensure them you’re there at the touch of a button. Remember to recognise their achievements and give them good feedback so they feel important to the company regardless of where they are. Give them the same perks as you would any employee if possible, especially when it comes to inviting them to company events.
