So the caution is, if you're going to do an so better make sure it's not a half hearted effort, we all know a bad app when we download it. Hang, those of us with Android could tell a bad app before we downloaded it! Ever downloaded something that acts like a browser when it isn't a browser? That has no added value. So, why should an organisation create thier own app for thier employees?
There is one very strong reason, that is employee engagement. If it's done right the app will engage your employees directly and they will feel like the company is involved with them and cares about them. There is nothing better to reduce turnover than engaged employees.
I feel urged to provide some examples of good apps. I think something brilliant to do would be a health component. One good use a stepometer to help employees exercise. Then measure their heartbeats to show them the positive effect. How about also getting people to connect in the organisation, the app might assign you to a mentor and give you a mentee. This way you encourage a culture of collaboration and mentorship while also bringing people together who don't usually get together.
As said earlier, a half hearted effort will not get the job done. How do you get an app? Firstly plan it, what is going to engage your employees and fits with your company culture? Is it a game? Is it a welness initiative?
Secondly make sure you have a decent budget, the smaller the budget the less time and effort your programmer will put into the job.
Thirdly, be prepared for it to evolve, this project may grow legs of its own as people start to get on board and get excited about it. One thing you must do is keep the app simple, no-one is going to do extra work for their company if it feels like work.
By Mark Robson
