Wireless Technology: Advocacy for use in Human Resources

An interesting challenge has come across my desk and with it a fair amount of research into any mobile programmes being used as solutions for Human Resource issues.

Of course actual documented case studies are seldom shared, however, it is obvious that academics discuss the use of mobile technology as a communication tool in Human Resources when used as an immediate and cost effective channel for interaction with employees in varied areas pertinent to employee well being and corporate communication. One example that i did come across was "MD on Tap" which i thought was a brilliant marketing initiative to give employees the feeling that they had direct access to a senior person to whom they could voice any problems and stresses they felt.

The challenges I will addressing are associated with an already existing wellness programme where the client is wanting to engage more men into the programme as well as offer solutions for stress management. These areas are clearly associated with personal development and incentive based solutions. I believe no other technology is better poised in our market than mobile. In a country where a cellphone is the first and only communication devise for many and penetrates down into poorer households, an enormous opportunity to engage these people exists.

Here are some of the deliverables for mobile in Human Resources:

• Information about job openings
• Programme information and updates
• Managing health issues on a personalised basis – e.g. If a person is on a TB course of meds. an SMS reminder to get their medication refilled or health tips including nutrition
• Responsible Sex programmes
• Relevant mapping and information locator services e.g. Hospitals, doctors, ATM’s
• User reporting system: SMS a keyword this matches up to a database and relevant response is initiated e.g. Work or community emergency
• Social service grants
• News services: community news, sports results, lotto draw etc

The Key components of a project like this are:

• A cause or purpose / clear objective
• Content: Information
• Engaging mechanism: voting, polling, Q&A etc
• Incentives which can be content based to stimulate loyalty e.g. 2010 football, Elections services, weather updates and airtime.
• Interface to collect incoming information and data: project status, emergencies, requests

I believe that mobile can be super effective and efficient, not to mention cost effective. interactive communication is becoming expected and mobile can deliver solutions that are personalised and targeted.

All of these reasons convincingly advocate mobile as an intervention tool for Human Resource's departments to communicate, motivate and bridge closer ties with their employees.