Mastering Operational Communication: What to Look for in Workforce Management Software

Email is still the most common form of communication in the corporate environment, which doesn’t bode well for the 80% of the world’s workforce that’s comprised of frontline employees. Oftentimes, these workers are left out of important conversations and are unaware of critical information.

Collaboration is key for a successful business, yet it can be difficult to achieve with frontline employees. Management executives, particularly in hospitality, manufacturing, and retail industries, are seeking intuitive, operational communication platforms to keep frontline workers engaged, informed, and equipped with tools they need to deliver optimal performance.

Reach Every Employee

To optimize productivity for frontline employees, employers have turned to workforce management software that enables real-time communication and operates as a digital workplace to bring these frontline workers into the fold. These platforms function as an employee portal to make information accessible to every department, group, and the entire team.

This workforce management software enables employees to connect, especially across geographic regions, to work efficiently. Now, employees in the field can locate the right person to get the job done, at the right time.

When Email Isn’t Enough

This mobile, workforce management software can significantly reduce or even replace company email, the goal of this communication technology is simple: create a centralized, digital workplace where every employee can easily share information and files, engage in real-time discussions, and easily contact anyone in the company. 

What Should Your Workforce Management Software Have?

Core capabilities of an ideal employee engagement app include:

• Direct messaging
• Push notifications
• Video uploads
• Global search function
• Archiving
• Communication streams
• Content sharing
• Secure document sharing
• Robust analytics
• Banking standard security

Ideally, these platforms will replace email in the upcoming years since they have more robust communication capabilities. They even have a social element to boost employee engagement and strengthen morale, and reduce turnover.

But what about all the other operational communication systems companies use on a daily basis? Communication is not the only objective of these tools.

Your workforce management software should also have operational features like HRIS, payroll management, shift scheduling, locations, and in-line translation. 

Amplify Productivity

Operational communication platforms bring the digital workplace to non-desk employees by partnering with other operational systems to provide seamless integrations so you have all your tools in one place. Apps and integrations can be added to fit your organization’s unique needs and connect to the systems your team is already comfortable using.

Giving your non-desk employees the ability to connect across locations and departments in real time will do wonders for your company’s productivity and bottom line. You’ll be able to ensure secure, automated, and relevant information is readily distributed, searchable, and measurable in one central employee portal for an efficient digitized workflow.

App Integrations All Day Long

One absolute must for any operational communication software is integrations. Or in other words, the ability to connect to other applications. The right integrations can save you hours of time at work each week. 

Now that Beekeeper is a Zapier-supported app, the automation possibilities are endless. 

Download our eBook on how to choose the best team collaboration software for even more insider tips!