Last updated on October 7, 2024 at 11:47 am

Studies have found that 80% of the global workforce do not sit behind their desks to do their jobs. This makes them part of the deskless workers who are making major contributions to essential industries like manufacturing, retail, and logistics.

However, these are the groups of workers who have benefited the least from technological advancements. Despite the fact that 75% of deskless workers spend most of their working hours using technology, 60% are unsatisfied with it because it is inefficient, slow, and hard to use.

This reliance on traditional modes of communication is inconvenient and ineffective, considering accessible technology becomes their primary tool for collaboration and interaction with other teams. 

In this article, we will discuss the best internal communication tools for deskless workers to avoid these challenges. 

Key Considerations for Deskless Worker Communication Tools

To choose the top internal communication tools for the deskless workforce, keep the following key considerations in mind:

1.  Accessibility

Considering that deskless workers rarely use their desks and that there are minimal chances that their paths will cross with each other, it is important that they have accessible communication tools. These tools will lead to a positive employee experience.

This means that you must ensure your deskless workforce has access to all critical information through their mobile device so that they can have it right with them rather than having to find their PC or laptop away from their site of work.

Also, make sure all the required information is available on one platform, saving them time and effort from having to go to different platforms to access information.

The workers might find themselves in areas with poor or no connectivity, so it is important that the information they require is also available in offline format. 

2.  Functionality

The internal communication tools you choose must have features that allow real-time information sharing between multiple people and teams to remove any undue delays.

Additionally, it must also have a task management feature that lets everyone concerned track, manage, and execute the different stages of a task or project to ensure efficient and effective completion from inception to execution.

Lastly, the internal communication tools for businesses must facilitate easy information sharing between multiple teams and employees to enhance employee engagement and productivity.

3.  Cost-Effectiveness

The best internal communication tools for 2024 must be cost-effective for businesses.  This means that not only should they fit the business’s budget but also fulfill the needs and goals of your business.

Additionally, they should help in reducing communication costs and improving communication efficiency.

Also Read: How to Write a Newsletter Article for Internal Communication

Top 10 Internal Communication Tools for Deskless Workers in 2024

Source

If you want to boost deskless worker productivity, positively shape employee experience through internal communication, and develop and sustain employee engagement, use the communication tools mentioned below:

1. Microsoft Teams

One of the best internal communication tools for deskless workers is Microsoft Teams. It offers a workspace for meetings, supports real-time collaboration and communication through chat, and even facilitates file and app-sharing. 

It also comes with built-in advanced security features, keeping your enterprise information safe. To streamline communication further, you can create teams and channels for different tasks, projects, and groups of people.

These features will help you manage tasks across all your employees, including deskless and remote employees, making them feel connected to the company.

2. Workplace from Meta

Workplace from Meta is one of the most popular internal communication tools for businesses in 2024, as it will help you successfully manage your distributed workforce.

This is an interesting communication platform that will connect everyone in your company, even if they are working remotely. Its primary focus is on building social connections between employees and sharing and maintaining your company culture.

It offers easy-to-use features like Groups, Chats, and live video broadcasting to help people connect and work together. This ensures that effective communication takes place even if you have a diverse workplace.

3. Slack

Slack is a digital platform designed with the purpose of facilitating internal communication between in-person, remote, and hybrid teams. 

Through its channel-building feature, you can organize your teams, projects, and departments while also giving them a platform to share updates and engage in informal communications.

It is one of the top internal communication tools for a deskless workforce because it also comes with accessibility features like a search bar to find important conversations and mention features.

It also has other convenient features, such as private groups, direct messaging, huddles for live discussions and meetings, and audio and video clip support, making internal communication accessible for the differently abled workforce.

4. Zoom

Zoom is a user-friendly video conferencing tool for holding meetings, training sessions, and remote huddles. It can be used on a laptop, PC, tablet, and even a mobile phone, making it one of the most accessible internal communication tools for businesses and their deskless workforce.

Additionally, considering that the basic version of Zoom offers 40 minutes of active or idle meeting time before ending it, it will help you adhere to your internal communication budget while boosting employee productivity and overcoming employee communication challenges.

5. Workforce Communication Apps

Workforce communication apps are among the best internal communication tools for 2024 because they come equipped with features that let you connect your entire workforce on a single platform.

It also has features that will let you distribute information, support multiple languages and media types, and provide access to employees who do not have corporate emails. It will also help your workforce collaborate through peer-to-peer messaging and social features such as like, comment, share, tag, or mention.

One of the top workforce communication apps you can use in this regard is The Employee App. This app supports internal communications within your organization through the intranet and mobile app. It will help keep your remote, hybrid, and deskless workforce connected through an unlimited employee texting solution.

6. Digital Signage

Digital Signage is one of the top internal communication tools for 2024 because it will help you bridge the communication gap for deskless workers, making it a better option than emails.

It is an electronic display that can be placed in common areas, lobbies, and break rooms. Through these displays, you can share the latest company policies, safety tips and regulations to be followed, and other important news or announcements. To make these attractive, you can add music, video, or other interactive elements.

7.  Employee Apps

Employee apps are mobile apps made by companies to make communication easier and faster with their entire workforce, especially deskless workers. These apps can be used to provide company-related information, like policies or changes in policies and internal resources to carry out a task better.

It will help you have benefits like keeping the employees connected, creating a two-way dialogue so that everyone’s voice is heard, and even collecting workplace metrics that will help you make better decisions and strategies.

8. Text Messaging

Text messaging is a simple internal communication tool that will help your workforce stay connected. It supports two-way communication and is best suited for quick or urgent updates, straightforward reminders, and important announcements.

You can even resort to group texting or use this tool for checking up on your employees or providing them feedback.

9. Internal Podcasts

Internal podcasts are one of the top internal communication tools because they give a streamlined and engaging way of keeping your teams informed and avoiding miscommunication. 

In fact, internal communication managers should plan and monitor these podcasts to ensure alignment in your workspace.

You can use internal podcasts to share company-related updates, leadership messages, and training content in audio format. This will ensure that your workers can access the content on the go, making it one of the best options for deskless workers.

10. Walkie-Talkie Apps

Walkie-talkie apps are basically mobile applications that turn your tablets or smartphones into a modern version of a walkie-talkie. These apps allow your workers to communicate with each other in real-time using Wi-Fi or the Internet.

This is one of the best internal communication tools for 2024, best suited for deskless workers who work in construction areas, warehouses, and other locations where typing is impractical.

Choosing the Right Tool

To choose the right communication tool for your business, you must consider the needs of your deskless workers as well as your workspace.

For instance, if your workforce includes remote, on-site, hybrid, and deskless workers, you should use a communication tool that is accessible via multiple devices. One such tool is the workforce communication app.

Additionally, you must assess the features, functionalities, and ease of use of each tool to ensure it meets your team’s communication requirements and supports seamless collaboration. For example, Microsoft Teams offers chat, video conferencing, and file sharing, making it a versatile choice for diverse work environments.

Also Read: 7 Steps to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in Internal Communications for Pride Month 2024

Final Words

If you want to keep your employees connected and improve their productivity, engagement, retention, and loyalty, then you must ensure you have an effective and efficient communication system in place.

The tools mentioned above will not only help you with deskless worker communication but also enhance overall productivity and employee satisfaction. Each tool offers unique features catering to different communication needs and environments.

Make sure you evaluate the specific needs of your deskless workforce and choose communication tools that align with those needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can internal communication tools help with employee retention?

Internal communication tools can help achieve effective communication and thus result in higher employee satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty. This directly improves their retention rates.

2. How do internal communication tools help improve productivity?

Internal communication tools provide efficient communication channels that reduce response times, enable collaboration, and even integrate with other systems. Thus, they streamline workflows and boost productivity.

3. What is the cost of internal communication tools?

The cost of internal communication tools varies widely based on factors such as the tool you select, its features, and the number of users. Some tools offer free versions with basic features, while others require a subscription.

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