In municipal operations, deskless workers—such as public works teams, first responders, and sanitation workers—play a vital role in delivering essential services to the community.
However, keeping this mobile workforce informed and engaged can be a significant challenge for internal communication professionals. These employees often don’t have access to the traditional tools used to disseminate information, like email or intranets, which makes it difficult to ensure they’re receiving important updates.
This blog post explores how internal communications pros at municipalities can bridge this gap and create a strategy that effectively engages deskless workers.
Understanding the Deskless Worker Challenge
Deskless workers make up a significant portion of the municipal workforce, but they are often underserved by internal communication channels. They don’t sit at a desk all day, have limited access to computers, and may be out in the field for most of their shifts. As a result, they can easily miss important updates, safety protocols, or changes in procedures. This disconnect can lead to confusion, low morale, and even safety risks.
So how can municipalities ensure that deskless workers stay informed and engaged?
Leverage Mobile-Friendly Communication Tools
One of the most effective ways to reach deskless workers is through mobile communication tools. Given that almost every employee has a mobile phone, SMS messaging and mobile apps provide a simple, direct way to communicate urgent updates, reminders, or changes.
- SMS Text Messaging: For quick, high-priority communications, SMS is an ideal solution. It’s immediate, easy to read, and ensures that critical information reaches employees no matter where they are. Whether it’s a safety alert or a reminder about shift changes, SMS can fill the gap for deskless employees who may not have access to email.
- Employee Mobile Apps: An internal communications app allows workers to stay connected even when they’re out in the field. Employees can receive updates, access important documents, and stay informed on organizational news all through a simple, easy-to-use mobile platform. Employee apps also enable two-way communication, giving deskless workers a chance to share feedback, report issues, or ask questions in real time.
Make Content Bite-Sized and Accessible
For deskless workers, who are often pressed for time, internal communications need to be short, clear, and to the point. Avoid long emails or messages that require workers to sift through a lot of text. Instead, focus on providing the essential information in concise, bite-sized formats that can be quickly absorbed.
This can be done by:
- Sending short text messages with key updates.
- Using bullet points and subheadings in mobile apps for easy scanning.
- Creating visually engaging digital signage with simple, focused messages.
Foster Two-Way Communication
Deskless workers often feel isolated from the larger organization, which can negatively impact their morale. To engage this workforce effectively, it’s important to provide them with a way to share their thoughts, concerns, and feedback.
- Employee Feedback Channels: Offering anonymous surveys or feedback channels through mobile apps or SMS gives workers a voice, which helps them feel more connected to the organization. You can gather valuable insights from deskless workers about their needs and how communication can be improved.
Measure and Refine Your Strategy
Finally, it’s important to continuously measure the effectiveness of your internal communication efforts. Track metrics like message open rates, feedback from deskless workers, and overall employee engagement levels to identify areas for improvement. If certain channels, like SMS, are performing better than others, consider shifting more of your communications to that platform.
Engaging deskless workers is one of the most critical internal communication challenges faced by municipalities. A tailored communication strategy will not only keep deskless workers informed but also boost their engagement and morale.
Book a demo with us and bridge the gap between desk-bound and field employees to achieve a more connected and efficient municipal workforce!
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