By Jill Romford on Sunday, 14 April 2024
Category: Blog

Employee Communication Apps: Everything You Need To know in 2024

Effective communication among team members is vital for the productivity and success of any organization. 

Surprisingly, 60% of companies lack a long-term internal communication strategy, which puts them at risk. Inadequate internal communication can have detrimental effects, such as decreased morale, lower employee productivity, and increased employee turnover.

Fortunately, there are numerous employee communication tools available to address these challenges. Implementing these tools can enhance employee satisfaction and engagement while reducing the clutter in their inboxes. 

However, with the abundance of options, selecting the most suitable tool for your team can be daunting.

In this article, I will evaluate what is an employee communication app, the problems it solves, and a few tools, providing insights to help you choose the right functionality that aligns with your specific needs. 

What is an Employee Communication App?

Employee communication applications, often called Internal communication toolsEnterprise Social Network, or Employee Social Network, are online Employee Apps platforms that connect businesses with their workforce, primarily through mobile devices. 

These applications serve as collaborative tools, offering various features such as personalization, two-way communication chat, and interactive elements. 

An employee communication platform refers to a digital tool or software crafted to ease communication and connectivity within an organization. Such platforms are employed to streamline and enrich internal communication among employees, teams, and departments.

Their importance is ensuring that all employees can access materials that actively engage them in their work and contribute to their overall performance. Studies indicate that a lack of employee engagement results in an annual loss of over $4 million.

According to research, the average office worker receives 90 emails daily. Employees are expected to spend around 28% of their workweek reading and responding to emails. 

Internal communication tools, typically presented as software or mobile applications, empower employees to engage in work-related discussions. These tools facilitate team collaboration, idea generation, and feedback exchange in an online environment, reducing dependence on in-person interactions. 

Whether overseeing a remote or hybrid team, business leaders should establish a preferred communication method with their staff.

The subsequent step involves ensuring that every team member has access to the chosen communication platform, and managers should actively encourage its utilization. 

The effectiveness of internal communication tools hinges on their adoption by the workforce. In this regard, companies need to be mindful of the devices employees use for communication. 

If employees are expected to use their personal laptops or smartphones for work-related communication, organizations must acknowledge that the company's IT department cannot safeguard data that is outside its network.

However, the implementation of a communication application can significantly reduce this number. 

What are the biggest internal communications challenges and how to solve them?

Here are some of the internal communication hurdles that may crop up. By recognizing these challenges and proactively tackling them, you can foster a workplace that's more efficient and conducive to productivity. 

#1.Communication silos 

Communication silos, often encountered in businesses, depict isolated pockets of information sharing within teams or departments. This fragmentation obstructs cross-functional collaboration and diminishes organizational efficiency.

To tackle this challenge and dismantle information silos, fostering transparency is crucial. This involves:

So of the ​best internal communication platforms​ can help solve and improve communication silos.

#2. Information overload 

 Information overload presents a significant internal communication challenge in today's workplace, as employees are frequently inundated with emails and notifications from various apps and tools throughout the day. This inundation can leave employees feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unable to prioritize essential information. Moreover, it can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and overlooked information.

Several strategies can be employed to overcome information overload in internal communication. Firstly, ensuring that information is well-organized and easily accessible is crucial. Additionally, providing employees with the necessary tools and training to manage their information effectively can help mitigate the issue. Implementing a dedicated communications channel, like the AgilityPortal announcement module, that circumvents email and ensures the delivery of critical information to employees can also be a valuable solution.

#3. No communication channels 

ineffective communication channels pose significant business communication challenges, often resulting in delays, misunderstandings, and diminished productivity. Critical information may become buried within lengthy email chains or overlooked amidst cluttered chat platforms, undermining team cohesion and increasing the likelihood of errors and frustration.

To address this issue, consider utilizing streamlined tools such as dedicated communication platforms or project management software. 

These tools facilitate real-time collaboration, file sharing, and organized discussions, thereby improving information flow, enhancing teamwork, and ensuring alignment on tasks and goals. Prioritizing efficient communication channels is essential for optimizing internal communication and maximizing productivity.

#4. Bad technology 

Technology that is unsuitable for this purpose can impede internal communications in various ways. It may need more user-friendly interfaces, leading to employee confusion and frustration. 

Slow or unreliable platforms could cause delays in sharing critical information, impacting decision-making and project timelines. Incompatible tools may result in data silos, hindering collaboration and transparency. Security vulnerabilities in outdated software can compromise sensitive information.

To address these issues, invest in suitable communication tools that align with your organization's needs. Ensure user training and support to maximize technology adoption. A well-suited tech environment enhances communication efficiency, supports collaboration, and boosts overall productivity.

What challenges does an employee communication platforms solve in the workplace

Addressing internal communication obstacles holds significant importance for several reasons:

Overall, an Employee Communications Software addresses these challenges by improving communication, fostering collaboration, enhancing employee engagement, facilitating knowledge sharing, promoting transparency, and ultimately contributing to a more connected and productive workforce.

How to select an employee communications platform for your company

We will explain the best way to select Employee communication app for employees. 

The selection of employee communication apps for staff communication should be based on your specific goals. Various applications excel in different areas, such as sharing up-to-date business news, fostering collaboration, or building communities.

Start by determining the purpose you want your app to serve. Then, conduct thorough research to compare each app's offerings with your requirements. It's important always to keep your goals in mind, as each app has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Consider the budget you have in mind. Cost often plays a significant role in app selection, as prices can vary. By prioritizing the functionality that aligns with your goals, you can allocate your budget wisely and invest in the essential features for your communication needs.

Remember to consider scalability. Choose an app that can accommodate your organization's future growth and changing communication demands. A scalable solution ensures the app remains effective and adaptable as your workforce expands.

Here are a few points to consider: 

By following these tips, you can make an informed decision and select an employee communication app that aligns with your goals, fits your budget, meets your specific requirements, and supports the future growth of your organization. 

Employee Communication Apps: Key Features

These key features are vital when selecting communication software, as they enhance collaboration, streamline information sharing, and promote effective communication within teams and across the organization. 

Employeee Communication Software: Comparison Criteria

So you may ask yourself what do you look for when selecting the best employee communication software? 

Here's a summary of my evaluation criteria:

Internal communication platforms for companies

Internal communication software varies widely, ranging from single-purpose apps to comprehensive platforms that centralize people, tools, and content. Below is a list of internal communication platforms for companies to consider when exploring best employee communications platform on the market. 

Company Name
​Tool Name
​Best Features
​Agility Online AgilityPortal ​Real-time chat, file sharing, announcements, document library, customizable spaces and notifications.
​MicrosoftTeams​Chat, video conferencing, file sharing, integration with Office 365 apps, collaborative document editing.
​SlackSlack​Real-time messaging, file sharing, integration with other tools, customizable channels and notifications.
​TrelloAtlassian​Kanban-style boards, task cards, checklists, due dates, integration with other apps like Slack and Google Drive.
​ZoomZoom Communications​Video conferencing, chat, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms.

5 Top Examples of Employee Communication apps

Although internal communication tools inherently promote interaction within a company, the most effective applications often serve additional purposes, such as enhancing collaboration. The ideal communications software for your business will be determined by the specific goals you aim to achieve beyond merely encouraging communication.

Below are several employee communication apps that can be utilized to foster collaboration and connections across your organization. These apps provide a diverse range of features, cater to various forms of communication, and offer different pricing options. 

You are likely to find an app that meets your specific needs among the options listed below, but we have collected the best employee communication apps for you to try.

#1.AgilityPortal

Top Features:

Pricing


#2.Microsoft Teams  

Top features:

Pricing

#3.Slack

Top Features

Pricing

#4.Trello 

Top Features

Pricing

Trello has a basic plan that is free. It also has a paid plan that starts from US$5 per user per month.

#5.Zoom

Top Features:

Pricing

Zoom has a free plan with limited features

5 Benefits of an Employee Communication App

Effective workplace communication is essential for any organization's success.

Employees need the ability to exchange information and stay informed about the latest company updates. However, relying solely on in-person interactions or emails can sometimes be insufficient.

That's where an employee communications app comes in as a valuable tool. This blog post'll explore the top ten benefits of using an employee app for internal communications.

Are you prepared to revolutionize your company's communication methods? Let's go.

#1.Employee Communication App can help to Drive Employee Engagement 

Employee engagement plays a pivotal role in determining the success or failure of any organization, regardless of its size, whether it employs five, 100, or 1,000 individuals. 

The degree of engagement directly impacts the company's financial performance.

Unfortunately, many businesses struggle in this area. Only a tiny fraction of the workforce truly feels engaged. As illustrated in the infographic, most employees fall into "not engaged" or "actively disengaged," with less than one-third displaying genuine engagement.

The financial ramifications of disengagement are profound. A significant portion of the U.S. workforce, approximately 70%, falls into the categories of "not engaged" or "actively disengaged," signifying emotional disconnection from their workplace and reduced productivity. Actively disengaged employees incur annual productivity losses ranging from $450 billion to $550 billion in the United States. They are also more likely to engage in detrimental behaviors such as theft, negative influence on colleagues, absenteeism, and customer dissatisfaction. This stark reality emphasizes the critical need to address employee engagement.

Apps present a significant opportunity to swiftly enhance employee engagement by facilitating direct communication among individuals. Remote or field-based employees can seamlessly connect with HR, management, and peers through mobile devices, mitigating feelings of isolation and detachment often associated with a lack of communication channels. 

This offers a promising solution to the challenge of disengagement.

Considering that employees already utilize mobile devices in their daily work, leveraging these tools for communication represents a logical progression, ultimately boosting engagement levels. 

#2. Internal Communications Apps Are a One stop shop for everything 

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the array of software options available can often feel overwhelming. As organizations of varying sizes navigate this digital landscape, the number of applications in use can be staggering:

This proliferation of software presents both opportunities and challenges. While each application may serve a specific purpose, the cumulative effect can lead to fragmentation, inefficiency, and confusion within the organization.

Enter the internal communication app—a versatile solution that addresses these challenges on multiple fronts. Consolidating various applications into a unified platform provides employees with a single, reliable source for accessing essential company information.

The capabilities of such apps are vast and varied, covering a broad spectrum of functions:

Internal communication apps' versatility extends beyond their core functionalities. For organizations already utilizing other applications for specific tasks, integrating these existing solutions with a custom communication app is entirely feasible. This adaptability streamlines operations and enhances communication efficiency, paving the way for improved productivity and collaboration across the organization. 

#3.Communication apps can replace internal email communication 

In the realm of internal communication, email is gradually losing its appeal. It must deliver the instant responses that modern workers crave in today's fast-paced communication landscape.

From a productivity standpoint, reliance on email is reshaping how people allocate their time. On average, a single employee sends and receives 130 emails daily, consuming up to 25% of their workday.

Despite the illusion of productivity that email may create, the reality is quite different. While employees may feel accomplished as they clear out their inboxes, this activity often contributes little to overarching organizational objectives. It's merely busy work that detracts from more meaningful tasks.

Communication apps present a compelling alternative, offering swift and direct channels for internal communication. They can even introduce a social media-like experience within the workplace, featuring elements such as an employee communication wall.

While email still remains relevant in the workplace, its usage patterns need to evolve. Recognizing this shift, an increasing number of companies are exploring ways to reduce reliance on email. Employee communication apps are emerging as viable substitutes, promising more efficient and effective internal communication practices.

#4.Employee communication apps boast user-friendly interfaces with minimal learning curves.

 When evaluating software solutions for your employees, prioritizing ease of use and user experience is crucial for maximizing productivity and efficiency within your organization. A user-friendly interface and intuitive design can significantly reduce the time and effort required for employees to adapt to new tools and processes. This, in turn, minimizes disruptions to workflow and ensures smoother integration into daily operations.

The prevalence of mobile apps in everyday life has reshaped user expectations, particularly regarding technology in the workplace. Employees are accustomed to mobile apps' seamless functionality and intuitive interfaces across various aspects of their personal and professional lives. Organizations can leverage this familiarity to enhance employee satisfaction and engagement with workplace software solutions.

Research from the Harvard Business Review underscores the importance of investing in the employee experience. Companies that prioritize creating a positive work environment and empowering their employees with user-friendly tools can attract and retain top talent and experience greater profitability. A well-designed software solution that improves the employee experience can lead to increased productivity, reduced turnover rates, and, ultimately, higher organizational profits.

An employee communication app that prioritizes ease of use and enhances the user experience can have a transformative impact on your bottom line. By providing employees with a seamless and intuitive platform for communication and collaboration, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive sustainable growth and success.

#5.Communication apps offer a significant return on investment (ROI) for organizations. 

Expanding upon the profitability and overall revenue aspects, let's explore the return on investment (ROI) associated with introducing an employee app. Naturally, ensuring a positive ROI from your investment in employee communication is paramount.

We recently published an article that delves into the ROI of utilizing an internal communications app. Give it a read to aid in calculating the potential ROI for your company. 

However, here are some key highlights and areas where significant returns can be expected:

  1. Enhanced Engagement: An employee app cultivates higher engagement levels among your workforce, boosting morale and productivity.
  2. Improved Productivity: Employee apps optimize productivity throughout the organization by simplifying communication and granting easy access to information.
  3. Increased Profits: Elevated engagement and productivity directly contribute to higher profits for your enterprise.
  4. Reduced Employee Turnover: A well-executed employee app has the potential to decrease turnover rates by enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.
  5. Strengthened Management-Employee Relationships: The app's effective communication fosters stronger bonds between employees and management, fostering a more positive work environment.
  6. Mitigated Costs Linked to Workplace Safety Incidents: Employee apps can promote workplace safety and diminish the occurrence of incidents, thereby reducing associated costs.
  7. Lowered Training Expenses: Employee apps streamline employee training efforts by offering accessible resources and training materials, thereby minimizing time and resource investments.

Depending on your organization's scale and specific requirements, implementing an employee app can yield substantial cost savings, reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over time. Furthermore, the ROI from such implementation is often realized almost immediately after deployment, making it a worthwhile venture for businesses aiming to optimize their internal communication processes and enhance overall efficiency and profitability. 

How AgilityPortal can facilitate and help overcome internal communications challenges and optimize your communication processes?

AgilityPortal is a robust communication solution designed to streamline internal communication processes within organizations. 

With its comprehensive set of features, AgilityPortal enhances the speed, scope, and efficiency of information distribution, ensuring that employees stay well-informed and engaged while addressing common business communication challenges:

Wrapping up, Connect your workforce with an employee communications app

When a company doesn't mandate employee interactions, there might be a lack of motivation for such engagement. 

However, team members who proactively communicate with both colleagues and supervisors tend to exhibit higher levels of work engagement and increased productivity. Internal communication tools, facilitating conversations with any employee regardless of location, contribute to a more collaborative workplace. 

This enhancement in collaboration, in turn, fosters improved work engagement and relationships. Explore further ways to empower your staff through effective communication.

There are numerous exceptional employee communication applications to choose from. I have mentioned only a few that are commonly utilized by organizations. 

Regardless of your choice, ensure that you select the app that aligns best with your needs and fosters a cohesive team with outstanding communication, engagement, and loyalty!

FAQs about employee communication apps

What is an employee communication app?

An employee communication app like AgilityPortal is a digital tool created to enable smooth communication and information exchange within a company via mobile devices. 

Through functionalities like real time chat, news updates, and social walls, it empowers employees to connect, collaborate, and stay updated, all within your branded mobile company application.

Why do organisations need an employee communication app?

Employee communication apps, like AgilityPortal, elevate internal communication, increasing engagement, transparency, and workflow efficiency. They offer a unified platform for sharing information, announcements, and updates, cultivating a workforce that is more connected and well-informed. 

How can an employee communication app benefit my organization?

It can enhance internal communication, boost employee engagement, improve transparency, streamline workflows, and create a more connected and informed workforce.

What are the security measures like for an employee communication app?

AgilityPortal employee communication app prioritizes data security. It employs encryption protocols, secure sign-in procedures, and complies with industry standards to protect sensitive information. 

For more information about security features, you can check out the Security web page on our website.  Security is a top priority for most providers, with features like end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with data protection regulations.

How do employees access an employee communication app?

Employees can usually download the app from the app store on their mobile devices and log in using their company credentials.

Are employee communication apps mobile friendly​? 

Indeed, most modern apps are optimized for mobile devices, allowing employees to easily access communication, updates, and collaboration features while on the move. 

AgilityPortal is not only mobile-responsive and compatible with nearly all browsers, but we also offer Android and iOS mobile apps to ensure seamless connectivity for your entire workforce.

Can employee communication apps accommodate frontline workers or remote teams?

Employee communication apps provide substantial benefits to frontline workers and teams operating remotely or in dispersed setups. They bridge geographical gaps effectively, facilitating seamless communication and fostering connectivity among employees, regardless of their physical location.

How scalable are employee communication apps? 

Many apps offer scalability to accommodate the needs of growing organizations, with flexible pricing plans and features that can adapt to changing requirements.

How can we measure the effectiveness of an employee communication app? 

Metrics such as message engagement, employee feedback, adoption rates, and productivity improvements can help gauge the app's impact on your organization.

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