The mobile workforce refers to deskless workers who are on the move or stationed in the field. This includes salespeople, retail workers, drivers, delivery people, gig workers like Uber drivers, and a whole lot more.
While the mobile workforce spans industries and is necessary for a range of goods and services, the nature of the mobile workforce can pose some problems. For lone workers, there’s an element of danger that is somewhat unavoidable when working alone. For others, productivity can be affected when employees can’t turn to their supervisor or rely on a solid communication channel.
In the end, the success and safety of the mobile workforce can boil down to communication. When workers can rely on their communication devices they can alert others to dangerous situations, accidents, poor weather conditions, job updates, and more, and when they can’t, mobile workers are left in the lurch. So what are the best communication solutions for a mobile workforce?
Establish clear rules.
In many ways, the mobile workforce has more independence than desk workers and other employees who stay in one place. If there’s not enough supervision or a clear policy and rules in place, accountability for workers will tank and some of them will take advantage of the lack of oversight.
Therefore, all managers and owners should create some clear guidelines for mobile workers. This should include times when they should check in and provide updates on their location or job progress or return to the office/worksite. Doing so will improve accountability and keep communication consistent between mobile workers and supervisors.
Build a community.
If your mobile workers work out in the field most of the time, it’s easy for them to feel disconnected from the company. In order to build a healthy sense of community at the company, make sure to require mobile workers to come to some company-wide meetings or other events.
Invest in the right communication devices.
Whether your mobile workers work at a large retail warehouse or are in a field service company, having the right communication devices is essential for efficient and reliable communication.
The best communication devices for the mobile workforce are two-way radios. Two-way radios are reliable, durable radios that allow for long-distance communication.
Peak PTT two-way radios utilize a 4G-LTE network for a virtually unlimited range and provide crystal-clear communication with noise-canceling technology. Keep your mobile workforce connected with our offerings of reliable, high-quality two-way radios.