Introducing an app to employees can be a difficult task. Here’s how you can make that transition a little easier.
Having introduced a number of internal apps to a range of corporate companies, the Red C team have extensive experience in how to introduce an app to your employees.
Enterprise apps are increasingly being used to better internal business strategies, and some forward thinking companies have even replaced email with instant communication apps such as Slack, which acts as a professional chat for the workplace.
Information within an organisation now moves at the speed of light, ensuring that every employee has access to the most recent events, news, and documents on their personal devices, as this is essential to business success. An effective mobile strategy means that employees can be productive whilst on the move, and are not bound to their desks, reliant on their desktop. Moreover, using an enterprise app gives every employee the opportunity to be heard without having to wait till a team meeting. This way, colleagues can work together from wherever they are and at any time, to achieve team objectives in the most efficient way.
Having an enterprise app has countless benefits, however, it can only reach it’s full potential if it is completely accepted by employees. Hence, this article focuses on how you can use an app to increase employee engagement and achieve your company’s long-term goals.
Transparent plans
First and foremost, as an employer, it is important that you discuss the introduction of an enterprise app with your employees to gage a general opinion. Make sure to ask questions that will help solidify the app’s requirements and purpose. For example:
This shows employees that their opinion is valued and that you are proactive when it comes to their needs. Hence, they are more likely to welcome an app into their working lives.
Once the features of your app have been confirmed and the coding begins, it is important to remind your employees of your app in progress. Remind them that an internal app will improve communication between departments by creating a dialogue that connects top management, middle management and the operational level. This way, employees have something to look forward to and will want to engage with the app once it has been released.
Outstanding, intuitive design
In terms of design, it is important to use existing company branding for your app as this will create a sense of common purpose in the workplace. Using your organisation’s colours, fonts and logos makes the transition to using an enterprise app much more welcoming for employees as it is something they are familiar with. Consequently, employees are more likely to accept and engage with the the app.
Another way to enhance employee engagement using design that has proved successful with previous clients is creating a landing page that is designed around company values. This screen should highlight keywords that all users can relate to in their day to day working lives. For research shows that companies that are able to retain and incentivise their employees often remain the most competitive.
If possible, it is also a good idea to incorporate relevant photos and videos into your app as these will keep employees engaged. Make sure that these images are of your employees, rather than ones found on the internet because employees can identify with photos of their colleagues, but not with stock imagery.
Prior launch date
There are a number of strategic ways in which you can introduce an app prior to it’s launch date. One way of doing this is to create a preview trailer or powerpoint to show employees how to use the app, and how it will benefit them. This will create excitement around the upcoming launch and will prepare employees to use it.
Another way to introduce your app prior to it’s launch is to show employees a demo app. A demo app is a version of your app that has all the basic features, but is not fully functional. This will give employees a feel of the app before it has been released, so they know how it will look and what to expect. For example:
The launch date
When it comes to the launch date, it is important to involve your employees in the process. For example, if your company has chosen to hold an internal event, make sure that the event is employee focused rather than a one man presentation. For although there should be an introduction, this should be kept short, snappy and exciting. Remember - the best way to learn is to practise, so simply let your employees have a go.
Employee focused means taking the time to actively show each employee how the app works. Be aware that some employees will pick up how to use the app a lot quicker than others, so be patient and helpful.
The more of your employees that can be present, the better, as this will mean that there is no delay in asking them to download, register and having a go at using the app. If you are excited to use the app yourself, this will be obvious to employees, and make them more willing to adapt. The sooner the app is put into action, the sooner you as an employer will be able to assess its progress.
Post launch date
One mistake that many employers make is judging their app too quickly before it has had time to settle. Make sure you give your employees time to get used to using the app as part of their daily routine before asking for any feedback. This can usually take up to a couple of months.
It is also important to give your users space from push notifications - you do not want to bombard them with push notifications before they have even understood or adapted to the app being part of their working lives.
If you have connected your app to a mobile analytics service such as Google Analytics or Fabric Answers, you will be able to see all the necessary data. After a few months of use - ensure that you have a feedback loop. Employee support is important for progression, so you can update your app with new features as and when necessary.
In today’s day and age, the way employees are managed within a company has become much more advanced. At this key moment in time, enterprise apps empower employees by meeting their needs and giving them the tools and freedoms they need to flourish. Moving away from old-fashioned methods is key for your company’s success.
If you have any questions regarding introducing an app to your employees, please feel free to email me at zara.kamrudeen@red-c.co.uk
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