How to Keep Non-Desk Employees Updated Without Emails
Keeping non-desk employees informed can be challenging, especially since many lack access to email or traditional communication tools. Workers in warehouses, retail, and factories frequently feel removed from company updates, leading to disengagement. To address this issue, organizations must explore solutions that go beyond emails, leveraging tools like digital signage and SharePoint to deliver timely, relevant updates. This article highlights practical methods to keep all employees engaged and connected, ensuring they feel valued and aligned with the organization’s goals.
Understanding the Communication Challenges for Non-Desk Employees
Non-desk employees often lack access to corporate tools like email, intranets, or messaging platforms, resulting in a disconnect from company news and updates. This gap can lead to:
- Reduced engagement.
- Poor alignment with organizational goals.
- Frustration over feeling uninformed or undervalued.
Organizations can measure the impact of this gap by tracking participation in events, survey feedback, and employee turnover rates. To bridge this divide, solutions like digital signage and SharePoint integrations offer practical, scalable options.
Leveraging Digital Signage for Non-Desk Employee Communication
Digital signage is a powerful tool for sharing updates with non-desk employees, especially in high-traffic areas like break rooms, production floors, or retail backrooms. It provides a centralized, visual way to deliver real-time updates, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Key Use Cases for Digital Signage:
- Company Announcements: Share critical updates, from policy changes to leadership messages, in an engaging, easily digestible format.
- KPI Dashboards: Display production metrics, sales goals, or performance updates to motivate teams and increase transparency.
- Event and Initiative Promotion: Highlight training sessions, volunteer opportunities, or team-building activities.
- Health and Safety Alerts: Provide safety tips, incident reports, or emergency protocols to keep everyone informed and safe.
Using SharePoint to Share Updates Without Email
SharePoint, as part of the Microsoft ecosystem, is a powerful platform for centralizing and sharing company updates. By integrating SharePoint with tools like digital signage, organizations can seamlessly display relevant content to non-desk employees, ensuring visibility where it matters most.
How to Use SharePoint for Non-Desk Employees:
- Automate Content Distribution to Screens:
Connect SharePoint to digital signage systems to broadcast updates directly from SharePoint libraries or communication sites. For example:- Shift Schedules: Display updated schedules or overtime opportunities in real time.
- Company News Feeds: Automatically pull news and announcements from SharePoint for dynamic display.
- Share Visual Content:
Use SharePoint’s ability to host documents, videos, and presentations, and display these via digital signage. Examples include:- Training videos or infographics for safety guidelines.
- Visual dashboards summarizing team performance.
- Provide QR Code Access:
Embed QR codes in digital signage screens that link employees to SharePoint resources, like detailed policies, HR updates, or training materials. This allows employees to access extended content without needing email. - Encourage Feedback:
Use SharePoint forms to collect suggestions or questions. Promote these via digital signage to encourage participation and demonstrate responsiveness.
Best Practices for Combining Digital Signage and SharePoint
- Simplify Content for Screen Viewing:
SharePoint updates displayed on digital signage should be concise and visually engaging. Use bold headlines, images, and short video clips to grab attention. - Update Content Regularly:
Automate content sync between SharePoint and digital signage to keep updates current and relevant. Avoid outdated posts by scheduling regular reviews. - Target Specific Locations:
Use SharePoint metadata and tagging to tailor updates for different facilities or departments. For example:- Safety updates for warehouses.
- Customer satisfaction scores for retail staff.
- Ensure Multilingual Support:
Display SharePoint content in multiple languages to accommodate diverse workforces, ensuring inclusivity.
Additional Methods to Keep Non-Desk Employees Engaged Without Email
Mobile-Friendly Tools
- Use mobile apps, such as Microsoft Teams integrated with SharePoint, to share alerts and updates that employees can access via their smartphones.
- Enable push notifications for urgent updates, like schedule changes or emergency announcements.
Visual Messaging and Team Recognition
- Celebrate milestones, birthdays, or top-performing teams through digital displays. Sync this recognition directly from SharePoint to ensure updates remain centralized.
In-Person Briefings
- Supplement digital and mobile communication with regular team huddles to discuss SharePoint updates in more detail, fostering a sense of connection and openness.
Measuring the Impact of These Communication Tools
To ensure that digital signage and SharePoint integrations are effective, track the following:
- Engagement Metrics:
Monitor views and interactions with SharePoint-hosted content displayed on digital signage. - Employee Feedback:
Use SharePoint forms or surveys to gather feedback on the relevance and clarity of updates. - Productivity Metrics:
Assess improvements in task completion or KPI performance after implementing these tools.
Conclusion: Modern Communication Without Email
By combining tools like digital signage and SharePoint, organizations can bridge the communication gap for non-desk employees, delivering updates in ways that are accessible, visual, and engaging. This approach not only keeps employees informed but also strengthens their connection to the organization’s goals and culture, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.
