From restaurants and retail to warehouses and hospitals, frontline workers play a pivotal role in upholding operations. They are the faces of your brand, engaging with customers and showcasing your products. Despite their crucial role, a staggering 80% of the global workforce consists of frontline employees, and only 15% of them feel truly engaged at work. 

The Disconnect in Employee Engagement 

The majority of business leaders recognize the significance of empowered frontline employees in long-term business strategy, with over 80% acknowledging their importance. However, a gap exists between this recognition and the implementation of effective workplace experiences for these essential workers. 

Alarmingly, 84% of frontline employees feel that they receive inadequate communication from management. A staggering 75% lack the ability to provide feedback, and 60% struggle to find important information. Additionally, 50% are uncertain about the company's direction. With an equal number considering job changes in the next six months, it's evident that there's a pressing need for a shift in employee communication strategies. 

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Frontline Workers 

Traditional communication channels fail to connect with frontline workers, who are on the move and lack access to computers and email. However, there's a solution lying in the one device they always carry – their personal smartphones. Implementing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, integrated with a dedicated mobile employee app, creates a centralized portal for targeted communication, accessible anytime and anywhere. 

This approach not only enhances security through robust authentication but also provides a seamless Single Sign-On (SSO) experience. By leveraging the familiarity of personal smartphones, a mobile employee communications app based on a powerful workplace communication platform becomes a modernized intranet. It incorporates intuitive controls, social media-style interactions, and real-time notifications, fostering connectivity and collaboration. 

Empowering Frontline Workers through Mobile  

A dedicated mobile app designed for frontline workers offers one-tap access to essential tools and information, such as checking and swapping shift schedules, requesting leave and equipment, reporting incidents, and inputting field data. Beyond these functionalities, the app can serve as a platform for workers to share their observations and industry knowledge. 

Crafting an Effective Communication Strategy 

To bridge the gap between strategy and reality, organizations must develop a specific internal communication strategy tailored to the unique needs and habits of frontline workers. Listening to employee feedback through polls and surveys, expanding HR procedures, personalizing communication for specific roles, and optimizing ongoing engagement through analytics are essential. 

The Power of Many-to-Many Communication 

As workplace communication platforms evolve, internal communications are transforming from one-to-many to many-to-many. A single digital hub breaks down barriers between remote, on-site, and frontline teams, allowing customization based on specific use cases while ensuring communications reach all employees. 

Unlocking the Potential of Frontline Engagement 

Empowered workers have significant potential for increased customer satisfaction. By implementing a modern communication platform, companies build better culture, deliver bolder content, and realize practical advantages of efficiency, safety, and overall employee satisfaction. Stay ahead in workforce communication strategies by following Korbyt on AVIXA for the latest insights and innovations.