11 Reasons an employee app is a must-have for your workforce

How do you react when you’ve misplaced your mobile device?

• Launch into a mild panic
• Mutter (or yell) a few choice words
• Dissolve into a puddle of tears

We’ve all been there. Those heart-skips-a-beat moments when we can’t instantly locate our phones. For better or worse, these little supercomputers have become integral to our daily lives. Whether in our pockets, on our nightstands, or nestled in the palms of our hands, they’re always with us.

We use them to endlessly scroll through our favorite social media channels, stay in constant contact with friends and family, shop, find places to eat, meet people, play games, get directions, and so much more. They are the remote controls to our lives—a virtual screen to the world.

Yet in many workplaces, this seamless connectivity is still lacking. While our personal lives are powered by intuitive, on-demand apps, employees are often stuck navigating clunky Intranets, overloaded email inboxes, or disparate collaborative tools that fail to meet their needs. (Spoiler alert: they’re not enough.)

It’s no wonder employees ask why accessing critical company information isn’t as easy as everything else in their lives. This disconnect can hinder employee engagement, leading to frustration and decreased employee productivity.

Why workplace communication needs a digital upgrade

With an employee company app, organizations can provide the same level of ease, personalization, and convenience that people have come to expect from technology in their daily lives. (Yes, there’s an app for that, too!)

So, what is an employee app?

An employee mobile app is a modern tool that allows employees easy access to receive personalized, relevant, and time-sensitive information directly on their own devices. With features like push notifications and instant access to essential updates, employee apps help workers stay informed and perform their jobs more efficiently—no matter where they are.

Worker behavior is evolving, mirroring the shift seen with consumers’ reliance on mobile devices. Handheld devices have essentially become the dashboard of our lives, organizing everything from communication to navigation. This transformation is now extending into the workplace, shaping the employee experience.

It’s undeniable: mobile apps have a significant impact on nearly every aspect of daily life. An employee app takes this same ease-of-use, convenience, and capability and applies it to work, making essential company communication feel as seamless as everything else we do on our phones.

The benefits of an employee app extend across the organization, helping businesses:

• Keep employees connected and in the know
• Bridge communication gaps for a dispersed workforce, including deskless, remote, and office employees
• Deliver personalized messages that are always relevant
• Foster two-way dialogue so every voice is heard
• Collect accurate workplace metrics to drive actionable insights

Staying current with employee communication

If your organization hasn’t adopted an employee app yet, it’s time to reconsider. The modern workforce expects seamless, mobile-first communication. Engaging employees effectively requires meeting them where they are—on their mobile devices.

Consider these trends:

• Smartphone ownership: As of 2023, 91% of Americans own a smartphone, a significant increase from 35% in 2011.
  
• Remote work prevalence: In 2023, 35% of full-time employees worked remotely at least part-time, up from 34% in 2022.
  
• Daily mobile usage: American adults spend an average of 4.5 hours on their mobile devices each day, excluding phone calls.

These statistics emphasize the critical role of mobile technology in modern communication. Implementing an employee app ensures your organization stays current, delivering timely, relevant information directly to employees’ devices.

The impact on productivity, engagement, and retention is undeniable. An employee app streamlines communication, boosts satisfaction, and helps organizations connect with their entire team in a meaningful way.

As you think through the potential benefits, here are 11 insanely logical reasons why an employee mobile app makes sense for your workplace.

No. 1: Most employees are on the go

They can be called different names. Remote. Deskless. Dispersed. Frontline workers. Here’s another way to describe them: Your employees. And they need support.

For frontline workers, who often operate outside traditional office environments, maintaining effective communication can be particularly challenging. Approximately 80% of the global workforce—around 2.7 billion people—are deskless workers, operating outside traditional office environments. They’re the frontline employees on factory floors, walking hospital wards, working in agricultural fields, driving trucks, waiting on tables, and operating retail cash registers. Many of these roles rely on tools like employee scheduling apps to stay organized and manage their shifts effectively.

Deskless workers need seamless communication

They also might not have access to the behind-a-firewall Intranet or email. This is especially an issue for contract workers, as businesses increasingly rely on the gig economy, which contributed $1.27 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023 and involves nearly 47% of the global workforce. With such a significant portion of workers engaged in freelance and contract roles, ensuring seamless communication and access to essential information becomes a critical challenge for organizations.

All of these people have one thing in common.

They have mobile devices.

“It’s just especially difficult to reach people who aren’t sitting in front of a computer,” said Carey Peterson, the Director of Internal Communications at Sutter Health. “So, we really needed to reach employees where they’re at—and that’s their smartphones.”

A mobile app can reach employees on their terms, so they feel more connected, more engaged, more informed, and can do their jobs more effectively. In a way, you’re letting them choose their own adventure. Or maybe better yet, you’re allowing them to participate in the company adventure.

No. 2: Cut through the noise

Employees are busy. They have jobs to do. They’re also inundated with work messages that often prove distracting from actually doing their jobs. So, while one portion of the workforce might be in an information drought (hello, remote workers!) another segment of your workers can have the opposite problem—they’re drowning in too much information. Internal communication gone haywire, indeed!

Their emails inboxes are overflowing. Collaborative resources such as Slack, research is beginning to show, can actually be anti-productivity tools because of the constant interruptions and the way need-to-know information gets completely lost in the shuffle of minutia. (“What’s for lunch today?”)

This helps explain why employees can reflexively tune out the company news that does reach them. Or they struggle valiantly to keep up with the flood of information. The impact can be devastating. One study found that once you’re derailed from a task, it takes nearly 25 minutes for a team member to get back on track.

The solution isn’t more communication.

It’s better employee communication.

An employee app doesn’t just add another channel—it transforms how communication happens. By consolidating scattered information into a single, streamlined platform, it reduces the noise and delivers only relevant, actionable content. For employees overwhelmed by the chaos of the digital workplace, it’s not just a tool—it’s a lifeline.

No. 3: Employees feel happy, not frustrated

We expect important stuff to come to us. We don’t want to go looking for it. This is what happens in our personal lives. We want in our work lives, too. Or else we get aggravated.

“You need to bring content to people,” said Erica Rodriguez Pompen, Global Head of Public Relations at Micro Technology. “I don’t go to the Wall Street Journal looking for something. But the Journal pushes content to me because I’ve opted into that function. That’s the expectation we all have today. Content either needs to be pushed to you, or you have to be made aware that there’s a reason to visit a platform.”

She’s describing a distribution model. Information is sent to us, on our terms.

But too often, companies are rooted in a destination model for software. They expect employees to ferret out what they need. Searching through a clunky office Intranet for company news and resources often feels like an exercise in futility, which is why they’re typically ghost towns filled with unread content. Filtering through countless internal communication emails to find what’s essential and what’s not. Trying to remember (good luck!) what channel or tools they saw something posted.

It’s exhausting, inefficient, and wastes time. It becomes work just to know what’s going on at work.

Simplify the experience to reduce workplace stress

An employee communications app eliminates that frustration. It creates a frictionless, positive experience that’s familiar to the way we receive all of our information on our devices. Everything you need and want is at your fingertips.

No. 4: Not just for millennials

Millennials are endlessly teased about staring at their phones all the time. ​​In 2023, Millennials exhibited the highest smartphone penetration rate in the United States, surpassing 40%. Generation X and Generation Z followed, with penetration rates of nearly 89% and approximately 73%, respectively.

Engaging every generation in the workforce

Handheld devices have become ubiquitous globally. In 2023, over half (54%) of the global population—about 4.3 billion people—owned a smartphone. 

“When a young employee finds that an organization doesn’t communicate the way they’re accustomed to, they can more easily become disengaged and end up leaving,” said Elaine Branding, Senior Vice President of Internal Communications at FleishmanHillard. “Generally, Millennials don’t plan on staying at a place for a long time if they’re not happy. So, don’t stay up-to-date with current communications practices at your own peril. The world will move on, and your employees may, too.”

“You have to be able to have a conversation that reaches people, that seems real. That seems like it’s consequential, and intentional, and deliberate.”

—Malcolm Gladwell, Bestselling Author/Journalist, Attune Summit

Given that virtually all of your employees are using smartphones, implementing an employee mobile app is a logical and effective way to engage them.

No. 5: When employees absolutely need to know

Something has happened.

In critical situations, whether delivering good or bad news, it’s imperative to communicate swiftly and effectively with all employees, regardless of their location or role. Traditional methods like emails or intranet posts may not suffice, especially for deskless or remote workers. 

Fast, reliable alerts in moments that matter

An employee app facilitates immediate, targeted alerts, ensuring that essential information reaches everyone promptly. For instance, the Firstup platform can require acknowledgment that communications have been read, providing confirmation that messages are received and understood.

This can be especially critical in a time of crisis when there are concerns about safety, and you need to know all of your people are accounted for and out of harm’s way.

No. 6: Confidence that you’re reaching your employees

Traditional methods of measuring engagement, such as tracking how many emails were sent, posts added to the intranet, or messages shared on collaboration channels, often fall short of revealing who actually reads or acts on them. Without deeper insights, your communications strategy risks being a shot in the dark.

Measure, analyze, and refine communication strategies

An employee app, like the Firstup platform, goes beyond surface-level metrics to provide a comprehensive view of communication performance. These insights include platform activity, employee engagement rates, content effectiveness, and even external sharing. This data empowers you to determine whether your messages are resonating and driving the intended actions.

With real-time analytics at your fingertips, you can measure the impact of your communication strategies on employee engagement and refine them for better results. Instead of relying on gut feelings, they can pinpoint what works, what doesn’t, and adapt to employee preferences.

Even more critically, these insights allow you to demonstrate the tangible impact of your communications to leadership. By connecting engagement metrics to business outcomes, you can showcase how effective messaging contributes to organizational success—ultimately proving that clear, intentional communication is a driver for the bottom line.

No. 7: Build a personal connection with your employees

An employee app allows organizations to connect with their workforce on a deeply personal level. By tailoring communications to each individual, it creates a sense of one-on-one interaction. It’s personalized, reflects your brand, and fosters stronger company culture. Employees can easily provide feedback by liking posts, making comments, responding to employee surveys, or sharing their thoughts through real-time pulse surveys. 

It builds a more vibrant, closer, and deeper connection.

All of this comes with responsibility, of course.

As Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global, wisely said:

“People have become addicted to their phones. So, you always feel like you’re at work. That’s why we believe it’s important to unplug and recharge. We have to create a healthy relationship with our phone and learn to take back our lives, our time, and our attention.”

Like most things in life, the key is finding a balance.

Finding balance is critical. Organizations must ensure that an employee app enhances communication without overwhelming workers. It’s important not to bombard employees with push notifications that infringe on their personal time, as this can lead to burnout. Instead, the app should empower employees to choose when and how they engage with content.

The beauty of an employee app lies in its flexibility. Employees can access crucial updates, resources, and communications when it suits them. This autonomy fosters peace of mind, ensuring they don’t miss vital information while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With a thoughtful approach, an employee app becomes a tool for connection, not intrusion.

Think digital communication is not a serious business need? Think again!

Our research found a disturbing disconnect between how companies believe they’re connecting with a distributed workforce and what actually is happening. Among the findings:

• 85 percent of employees said they lose at least one to two hours of productivity a week searching for information
• 80 percent of employees said they feel stressed because of ineffective company communication
• 78 percent of employees said communication should be a higher priority for their workforce
• 52 percent of employees have witnessed poor financial outcomes because of ineffective communication, including lost business and a damaged brand
• 36 percent of employees said they don’t know where to find the information they need to do their work
• 36 percent of employees said they have been in an unsafe situation because of poor communication

And finally:

• 63 percent of employees are so frustrated by the way their company communicates with them that they’re ready to quit

These are the consequences of not communicating with your entire workforce. And increasingly, it’s impossible to do that without reaching your people on their devices. They have fundamentally changed the way we operate in our everyday lives. It’s long overdue for the working world to incorporate Employee App technology into the daily work lives of their people, too.

No. 8: Enhancing onboarding experiences for lasting employee success

Starting a new role is often a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but an employee app can turn onboarding into a seamless, engaging process that leaves new hires confident and prepared. By centralizing resources like welcome messages, training schedules, benefits information, and team directories, the app eliminates the need to sift through disparate tools or documents. 

Make onboarding stress-free and efficient

New employees can hit the ground running with access to self-paced learning modules, interactive FAQs, and even virtual introductions to team members. Additionally, the app can serve as a platform for ongoing employee training, ensuring your workforce is equipped with the skills they need to excel.

Additionally, onboarding checklists within the app ensure no step is missed, and automated reminders help guide employees through their first weeks. This streamlined approach not only accelerates their integration but also reinforces your company’s commitment to providing a supportive, well-structured work environment.

No. 9: Support multilingual and global teams with inclusive communication

In a globalized workforce, inclusivity in communication is not just a perk—it’s a necessity. For organizations with employees across diverse regions and languages, an employee app with multilingual capabilities ensures that every message is clear, accurate, and accessible.

Bridge language gaps for seamless global communication

Whether it’s critical safety updates, company announcements, or localized content, employees can receive information in their preferred language. 

Push notifications and in-app translations bridge the gap, ensuring no one is left out of the conversation. This inclusivity fosters a stronger sense of belonging, promotes collaboration among global teams, and positions your organization as one that values and respects its diverse workforce. By prioritizing communication equity, you empower employees everywhere to stay informed and engaged.

No. 10: Boosting employee recognition and morale 

An employee app allows organizations to celebrate achievements in real-time, creating a workplace culture where everyone feels seen and appreciated. With features like peer-to-peer recognition, public shoutouts, and personalized badges, employees can easily acknowledge each other’s contributions. 

Create a culture of real-time appreciation

Managers can take it further by using the app to highlight team successes, announce promotions, or celebrate employee milestones with personalized messages visible to the entire workforce. The app also enables two-way interaction, allowing employees to comment, react, and engage with recognition posts, amplifying the positive impact. By fostering a culture of appreciation, the app strengthens morale, enhances employee retention, and inspires teams to perform their best.

No. 11: Strengthening compliance and policy adherence

In industries where compliance is critical, effective communication can make the difference between success and costly mistakes. An employee app provides an efficient, foolproof way to ensure employees stay informed about company news, policies, regulatory changes, and required actions. By delivering updates instantly—complete with read-receipt acknowledgments—the app guarantees that vital information reaches every employee, no matter where they are. 

Interactive features like quizzes, policy acknowledgment forms, and task tracking add an extra layer of accountability, ensuring that compliance isn’t just communicated but fully understood. In times of audits or crises, the app provides a reliable record of who has received and confirmed critical updates. This proactive approach reduces compliance risks, builds employee confidence, and reinforces your organization’s commitment to maintaining high standards.

Empower your workforce with a modern employee app

In today’s workplace, effective communication is a necessity. Employees want tools that simplify their work, keep them connected, and provide meaningful interactions, no matter where they are. An employee company app isn’t just a communication platform; it’s a game-changer for engagement, employee productivity, and employee satisfaction.

The Firstup employee mobile app is designed to meet the unique challenges of a dispersed workforce, delivering personalized, relevant, and actionable information right to your employees’ devices. Whether it’s bridging communication gaps, streamlining onboarding, boosting morale, or ensuring compliance, the Firstup app empowers your team with everything they need to succeed.

Don’t wait to enhance employee engagement and transform your communication strategy.  Visit Firstup to explore how a fully customized mobile app can revolutionize how your team connects, collaborates, and thrives. It’s time to bring the future of work to your organization—today.