Back to Blog

Mobile-Friendly Employee Self-Service: The Key to Engaging Today's Workforce

Author:
Lauren DeBisschop
|
May 16, 2023
|
10min

How Mobile-Friendly Employee Self-Service Sites Improves Your Employee Experience

Are your employee self-service websites mobile-friendly? With the growing reliance on mobile devices, employees expect an optimized experience when accessing company information on their smartphones or tablets. However, with the rise of app fatigue, many individuals are reluctant to download yet another application. It is essential to ensure that your employee self-service website is mobile-friendly to meet the expectations of your workforce and stay competitive in today's market.

Why Mobile-Friendly Employee Self-Service Websites are Essential

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives, with over 85% of American adults owning smartphones. The average user spends more than five hours on their device each day, making it their preferred mode of communication and access to information.

In 2022, mobile devices accounted for over 62% of all website traffic, and it is predicted that by 2025, nearly three-quarters of global smartphone users will solely access the internet through their mobile devices.

In addition, Americans are increasingly expecting an optimized experience on their mobile device. Google estimates that 61% of smartphone users are unlikely to return to a site they initially find difficult to access or navigate.

Work-Related Mobile Apps vs. Responsive Employee Sites

With the increasing use of mobile devices and user expectations for an optimized experience, businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind the competition. You may find that your HR system offers a dedicated app for self-service access. However, it is crucial to determine whether an app or a responsive website is better suited to meet the needs of your employees.

The Trend Away from Work-Related Mobile Apps

The Apple App Store provides access to more than 1.6 million apps, which may make it seem that developing a dedicated employee app is the best solution. However, the Greenshades product team has noticed a different trend among our users; increasingly, clients are reporting that their employees are hesitant to install work-related apps on their phones and keep up with app updates.

A similar trend is occurring all over the U.S., where many employees are pushing back on requests to download work-related apps on their personal phones, citing privacy concerns. Employees are worried that installing such apps may give their employer access to their device, and that their personal information may no longer remain private.

Employers should also be aware that some states mandate reimbursement for employees' work-related expenses, which may include using a personal cell phone for work purposes. If you operate in states such as California, Illinois, New York, and others, your company may be obligated to reimburse your employees' cell phone bills if you require them to download an app for work functions.

Benefits to Mobile-Friendly Employee Sites

By implementing a mobile-friendly self-service website, your business can potentially address many of the concerns surrounding work-related apps on personal devices. This way, employees can conveniently access the website on their mobile devices without having to download an app, which may raise privacy and legal concerns.

There are additional benefits to utilizing a mobile-friendly HR tool:

  • Increased Convenience: When an employee self-service website is optimized for mobile devices, employees can access their personal and professional information easily and conveniently, even when they are away from their desks. This means they can stay connected and informed about their job-related tasks and responsibilities, which can ultimately improve their overall work performance.
  • Enhanced Productivity: With access to work-related information and resources on-the-go, employees can be more productive and efficient in their daily work. They can easily submit requests for time-off, check their schedules, or access training materials on their mobile devices, without having to rely on a computer.
  • Improved Engagement: A mobile-friendly employee self-service website can also improve employee engagement and satisfaction. When employees have access to their personal and professional information anytime and anywhere, they feel more empowered and valued by the company. This can lead to increased loyalty and retention rates.

Employee Onboarding Optimized for Mobile with Greenshades

To make a strong first impression, companies must optimize their hiring and onboarding processes for mobile devices. In today's era, where remote and deskless work is common, it's vital for the process to be mobile-friendly, allowing new hires to get started quickly.

The Greenshades product team recognizes the popularity of using mobile devices for onboarding, which is why it's essential to ensure a seamless process, regardless of the device used. Greenshades’ onboarding workflow pairs well with any device by adjusting to fit the size of the screen you are using Additionally, forms like W-4s and I-9s can be easily managed and uploaded without the need for a computer.

By offering a mobile-friendly employee site, companies can enhance their employees' experience and remain competitive in a tough labor market. Request a demo today to see how Greenshades has optimized the onboarding process.

Our latest articles, opinions, and more
Get the latest updates from our company by subscribing to our newsletter. Stay up-to-date with our content, receive news about our products, and gain industry insights from our experts. Don't miss out on this valuable resource - sign up today!
By subscribing to our email updates, you agree with our Privacy Policy.
See the difference for yourself.
Get a demo