Can you imagine a working environment without access to mobile working? Gone are the days when staff are limited to accessing their work within their physical office location. Today, mobile working has become an essential requirement of the everyday working environment. Nowadays, over 94% of adults in the UK use a mobile phone (Ofcom 2017), with applications easily accessible at the touch of a button. So, how has mobile workforce management transitioned over time?
What is Mobile Working?
Mobile working as we know it allows employees to access and input information, collaborate on projects, and stay in contact with colleagues, all via one mobile device, wherever they may be. Previously, before the introduction of mobile devices, staff would’ve been tied to one physical location – the office for example. Without access to a mobile device, communication and instant access to it proved rather difficult. Any field-based staff would’ve collected their working schedule from the office directly which was printed out on paper, with the only option to update their manager at the end of their working shift or the following morning.
However, the era of mobile technology has emerged along with various exciting methods of communication and the development of flexible, convenient working environments. Mobile, email, instant chat, meetings and applications are readily available for employees making it easier for workers to do their jobs anytime, anywhere.
How Mobile Working Transforms Businesses
Nowadays, mobile technology solutions transform the way a business manages its employees, empowering staff to manage their own schedule, whilst equipping them with the tools to work remotely. Additionally, mobile working drives productivity and efficiency whilst boosting employee engagement and ensuring customer satisfaction.
In today’s connected mobile world, the need to satisfy customer expectations while delivering a responsive, seamless service is expected more than ever before. Mobile technology has become increasingly popular because of its constant availability and its vast array of platforms it integrates with. Undoubtedly, mobile has changed everything, affecting the way we live, work and play. A study reported by Forbes suggests 91% of smartphone users keep their phone within an arm’s reach. This clearly indicates the reliance on mobile devices and how much they are used in everyday life.
So, how have businesses today embraced the rise of the mobile worker?
Organisations are continually adapting to the world of mobile working by introducing mobile working applications and dynamic scheduling solutions as part of their business strategy. The development of these solutions has seen businesses hugely benefit in relation to increased employee productivity as well as a reduction in time and costs. It also allows for instant access to important information as well as improved communication between colleagues and customers. With the ability to access email and shared folders remotely, businesses are now more flexible in their approach to employees working from home or out in the field.
There is no doubt communications have evolved rapidly over recent years with the introduction of intuitive technology enabling mobility in today’s workforce. Mobile Workforce Management can be a significant investment and organisations should ensure that they choose a flexible, maintainable, solution, adaptable to their business needs. If you’d like further information on how the Totalmobile workforce management solution can enhance your mobile workforce and support your organisations journey to success, contact us today or download our eBook.