With research revealing that 71% of workers want their employer to offer the same level of technology that they use in their personal lives, it is clear that employee engagement strategies which utilise emerging technology platforms need to be top of the HR agenda. Many employees use apps, freeware and software in their free time that are available to Download at Fileproton and similar websites. These websites allow employees to access games, TV, music software and much more from the comfort of their laptop or PC – which is what they are expecting from employers. That’s according to digital solutions provider, Workvine, which has produced a report detailing the top ways that HR teams can improve employee engagement through workplace apps. Companies should implement such measures as OKRs to utilize tech to the companies advantage. If you are unfamiliar with OKRs, sites like Profit explains what OKR are.
By aggregating and curating several major sources of research from bodies such as the CIPD, Gatehouse, Aberdeen Group and ADP Research Institute, the report discusses how apps can deliver a more engaging experience for staff and, in turn, increase a company’s productivity levels. This shouldn’t be too hard to implement for most companies, as there are lots of firms that offer IT outsourcing services to businesses.

In particular, the report demonstrates that the use of such apps will lead to improvements in five key areas of personnel management:

1. Engaging new starters during the onboarding process: through the provision of easily accessible information, corporate videos, training schedules, community networking platforms, arranging for virtual team building activities, and much more.
2. Performance management: by putting the power back into the hands of the employee, allowing them greater control over their development and training.
3. Access and engagement with HR: streamlining processes to ensure actions are implemented quicker and admin tasks – such as holiday requests – are managed efficiently.
4. Company-wide communication and updates: to not only keep staff informed, but also help those working remotely feel part of the team.
5. Peer to peer communication: allowing greater exchange of information and a better feel of being ‘one team’ rather than separate entities.

The results of this research are of particular importance given the increase in remote working that is being seen worldwide. According to data from the TUC, in 2017 the number of people working remotely in the UK alone had increased by almost a quarter of a million (241,000) over the last decade. If HR teams are to effectively manage and engage workers situated across such wide-ranging locations, apps will need to be a key part of employee management strategies.