W H I T E P A P E R How to Boost Employee Productivity with Mobile Apps

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Summary

Mobile devices are changing the way we engage online. Many employers wonder if mobile apps at work can boost business productivity. This paper examines:

•The potential of mobile apps to increase employee productivity and satisfaction

•How to test the waters with mobile workforce management apps

•3 mobile app features that help boost business productivity

Who should read this?

Employers:

•Interested in potential productivity gains from mobile apps

•Looking to test productivity increases using mobile apps with workforce management systems

•Wanting to identify mobile app features that can boost employee productivity, satisfaction and engagement

How to Boost Employee Productivity with Mobile Apps

W H I T E P A P E R How to Boost Employee Productivity with Mobile Apps

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Mobile—The Productivity Platform?Mobile apps are changing the way we view and interact with online information.

Smartphone features and sensors are generally more advanced than computers. They allow us to touch the screen, view information vertically or horizontally, watch imbedded video and images, even locate ourselves in the world.1

Today, more than two-thirds of people in the U.S. carry a smartphone.2 And as consumers, we spend 40 percent of our online time on mobile devices.3 So, it should come as no surprise that employees may prefer mobile apps for work.

The good news is that experts believe mobile apps may actually increase employee productivity.4

In a survey conducted by Mobile Helix, employers estimated that using mobile apps would boost employee productivity 40 percent.5 An Australian company put this to the test by migrating its core HR systems to mobile apps and saw a 500 percent increase in adoption and a huge increase in employee satisfaction and productivity.6

So, how can employers know if mobile apps have the power to boost their employees’ productivity?

Testing the Waters with WMS Mobile AppsWorkforce management systems (WMS) are the most common systems used by employers. They generally include core HR systems like payroll, benefits and time and attendance. And because these systems require employees to input accurate data for personal benefit (such as a paycheck) as well as to help the organiza-tion, they can be useful to gauge productivity gains made by the introduction of mobile apps.

3 Mobile App Features to Help Boost Business Productivity Not all apps are created equal. While most vendors offer a mobile app or mobile delivery, employers need to make sure the app itself is designed to promote work-place productivity.

Josh Bersin, HR tech expert, recommends looking for three key features that help boost productivity:7

• Alerts and notifications – These system reminders are designed to engage employees by cuing them to complete important tasks (such as punching out after a shift, submitting a time card, or entering expenses).

• Data protection and safeguards – WMS systems house confidential employee information, so it’s important to ensure the mobile app keeps data secure (especially since mobile devices are likely to leave the workplace). Secu-rity features can include app time-outs to automatically log users out after a period of inactivity, mobile device registration, and limited app functionality in case the device is stolen.

W H I T E P A P E R How to Boost Employee Productivity with Mobile Apps

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• Fits the way employees work – Apps must reflect how its users (your employees) work in order to help them be more efficient. For instance, a mobile app for time and attendance must take into account the different needs of employees versus managers. Employees are only concerned with their own information, but managers need the ability to oversee their team, group or department. In this case, the vendor may offer one app for employees and a different app for managers.

Reviewing the ResultsTo determine if mobile apps can positively impact productivity, take a qualitative and quantitative approach. Qualitatively, poll employees on what they think about the app, how easy it is to use, how much they perceive the app will impact their ability to get tasks done, and how satisfied they are with it.

From a quantitative standpoint, see how many users are accessing the system from their mobile device and how often. Measure if particular alerts are easing administrative issues (like missed punches or late timecards). Consider rolling out your mobile app program to select teams or departments, using other non-partici-pating teams to establish your productivity baseline. And check with your vendor to see if your system has reporting features that can automate your quantitative analysis.

ConclusionResearch shows that, as consumers, we love our mobile devices. Because we’re using our devices more and more for online time, it makes sense that employees prefer mobile apps for business. This means mobile apps have the potential to boost productivity more than employers ever thought possible.

Because most employers use workforce management systems, WMS mobile apps can be one of the best ways to test their productivity potential. Employers should choose mobile apps that engage employees with alerts and notifications, safeguard confidential information, and reflect how users work. Once app usage is underway, employers can take a qualitative and quantitative approach to determine if produc-tivity has been positively affected.

W H I T E P A P E R How to Boost Employee Productivity with Mobile Apps

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References1 Bersin, Josh. “Viewpoint: What Mobile Platforms Mean for HR.” SHRM.org. 18 Feb 2016. Web.

Accessed 28 Mar 2016. https://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/technology/articles/pages/viewpoint-what-mobile-platforms-mean-for-hr.aspx

2 Ibid.

3 Bersin, Josh. “Viewpoint: The State of HR Technology Today.” SHRM.org. 12 Jan 2016. Web. Accessed 28 Mar 2016. https://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/technology/articles/pages/viewpoint-state-of-hr-technology-today.aspx

4 Bersin, Josh. “Viewpoint: What Mobile Platforms Mean for HR.”

5 Panepinto, Joe. “The Productivity Payoff of Mobile Apps at Work.” HBR.org. 13 Nov 2014. Web. Accessed 28 Mar 2016. https://hbr.org/2014/11/the-productivity-payoff-of-mobile-apps-at-work

6 Bersin, Josh. “Viewpoint: The State of HR Technology Today.”

7 Bersin, Josh. “Viewpoint: The State of HR Technology Today.”