Wednesday 07 October 2009
Items which were seen as fashion statements a few years ago such
as the iPod, Blackberry and iPhone have now not only become more
accessible but have become an essential part of our daily lives.
Whether it is checking the latest news, weather conditions or
responding to urgent e-mails, we would be lost without these
devices as we increasingly live our lives on the go.
With these advances in technology the
possibilities for engaging with employees more effectively is
greater than ever. Being able to gain access to information about
your Total Reward Package or Pension 24/7 could become the next
essential tool to enable individuals to make informed financial
decisions 'on the go'. By linking online benefit portals with
mobile devices, a new wave of communication is created, enabling
SMS alerts for payslips, additional benefit offerings and even
Company news flashes.
We are witnessing how social networking
is the new craze with more and more of us using the likes of
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to keep in touch, to share
information or to make group announcements. We believe this
additional level of communication is sure to enhance the connection
between employer and employee. The use of these sites is constantly
growing with new members joining up to LinkedIn, for example, at a
rate of 1 new member per second.
Employers have the opportunity to
engage with staff through Twitter style blogs detailing updates to
all areas of the business, for example, a benefits forum could be
setup where employees and employers are encouraged to share ideas
and thoughts on current benefits and benefits they would like to
receive. This would not only provide vital information on what the
key workforce likes/dislikes but can also encourage up selling of
benefits by simple word of mouth, therefore driving down costs
elsewhere.
All being said, these types of
technological advances may well appeal to Generation Y, however
there is still a definite demand to connect with individuals who do
not wish to be contacted in this way, therefore traditional methods
of communication will always need to tie in with these techie
applications.
Lee Godwin, Business Development
Consultant