Connectivity and the workforce
The workplace has considerably changed and is continuing to evolve due to developments in technology. For many employees, with mobile devices on the rise, this has led to more flexibility, where work can be done from anywhere, at any time.
Although mobility can increase morale and productivity, it is understandable that many may be concerned about the effect it will have on business relationships. As staff are no longer tied to their desk, there are fewer opportunities to interact with other colleagues.
When everyone is in the office, communication will look like a web, where you talk to many people from various department and easily build up your network of connections. However, with staff working from home or travelling around to see clients, employee’s can lack the connectivity they once had. This limits the opportunity for sharing of ideas and building up a network of people within the business.
However, although this can be the case in some situations, this doesn’t have to be a problem. Although talking face-to-face may not always be possible, our mobile devices can help to improve communication and collaboration within the business, regardless of any geographical differences.
Benefits of Mobility
Our mobile devices are much more than just a useful device for writing notes, or making phone calls. They are an invaluable asset in helping you to improve the processes within your business. Take a look below at how mobile devices can help to improve both communication and collaboration:
Communication
Although mobile working gives us flexibility, we may sometimes feel that we lose out on the interaction with our colleagues. However, there are a number of apps which can help employees to communicate and build business relationships.
Skype is an ideal tool which can be used. It not only allows you to have a phone call, but also a video call which is more like being face-to-face. Google Hangouts is another similar tool that you could try.
Collaboration
Previously you may have sat in meetings and shared ideas, thoughts and feedback, as well as working on projects with other colleagues.
However, just because everyone may not be in the same room, this doesn’t mean it has to be an issue. There are a number of tools online which can help. Yammer for example is an Enterprise Social Network. It allows people from within your business to discuss projects, share documents and ideas, chat to your colleagues and find people from your business that may be able to help. You can also use tools such as DropBox to share documents, or apps such as LinkedIn to help get to know your colleagues better.
Being proactive instead or reactive
With mobile workers, it is important not just to communicate when needed, but to communicate with people on an ongoing basis, to build and maintain good business relationships. This helps to develop the spider’s web of connections that will help your business be successful. So, make sure you are proactive and keep in touch with employees. As an employer, make sure you emphasise the importance of communication, however, there should still be times when face-to-face contact is encouraged too.
Want to know how Saxons can help improve connectivity for your business? Contact us today.
