5 min read
It is becoming more and more imperative to business executives that being able to connect to all employees and having 100% reach is important. Traditionally, efforts were concentrated on employees in office settings, with tools deployed to ensure effective communication with this group. However, there is a noticeable shift towards including employees who don't work at desks, such as those in field or frontline roles. I've been in discussions with several companies that employ a large number of such deskless workers, and they have now explicitly stated their ambition is to reach 100% of all employees.
But why is this 100% reach so vital, and what tangible benefits does it bring?
The connection between companies and their employees has never been more critical. As organisations strive for innovation, sustainability, and growth, understanding the immense value generated through not only deep employee engagement, but also having the power to make decisions on the spot, is key.
Enhanced Decision-Making Speed and Accuracy
Decision-making is the cornerstone of business strategy and operations. With the right information at their fingertips, employees can make decisions faster and with greater accuracy. According to a McKinsey report, organisations use digital and analytics technologies can boost productivity and earnings by double-digit percentages. This translates into not just speed but also the quality of decisions, reducing the margin for errors and enhancing operational efficiency.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings
Efficient information flow within an organisation can significantly reduce time wasted on searching for information, leading to higher operational efficiency and cost savings. A report by IDC found that knowledge workers spend about 2.5 hours per day, or roughly 30% of the workday, searching for information. By improving information accessibility, companies can reclaim this lost productivity, which can translate into cost savings of thousands of EUROs per employee per year.
Increased Productivity & Innovation
Research has consistently shown that engaged employees are more productive. A study by Gallup found that highly engaged business units result in 21% greater profitability. When employees feel connected to their company, they are more likely to go the extra mile, driving forward innovation and growth.
Enhanced Employee Retention
The cost of employee turnover can be staggering, both in terms of financial resources and lost knowledge. Companies with strong internal connections see a significantly lower turnover rate. In fact, organisations with high employee engagement scores have 59% less turnover, according to a Gallup report. This stability is invaluable for maintaining momentum and expertise within the company.
Better Customer Satisfaction
The link between employee engagement and customer satisfaction is well-documented. Engaged employees are more attentive and proactive in addressing customer needs, leading to a better customer experience. This connection can translate into a 10% increase in customer ratings and a 20% rise in sales.
In conclusion, smooth connection between companies and their employees is not just a matter of good HR practice; it is a strategic imperative. The numbers speak for themselves: connected employees mean a more profitable, sustainable, and innovative company. As business leaders, our mission should be clear: forge strong, genuine connections with our employees, listen to their needs and ideas, and harness the collective power of our people to drive our businesses into the future.