Type of workforce and intranet services
I’m often asked “How can we reach people in the field?” or “How can we extend the reach of our intranet to all employees?” or “Does it really make sense to offer intranet services on a smartphone?”.
This year’s Digital Workplace Trends report will provide guidance on these challenges. After consultation and feedback on this blog and in several LinkedIn groups (NetJMC&Co, WIC, Intranet Professionals) we have settled on 5 types of workforce we will use for this year’s Digital Workplace survey.
We’ll be looking at how organizations serve these types of workforces:
1. Floor / front line / non office-based
Examples: manufacturing, shop floor, sales floor, restaurant
People work on site in a single location, computers are not primary work tools
Probable: access to shared computers/kiosks
2. Frequent travellers
Examples: salesforce, consultants,
Different locations within a working day or week
Probable: individual laptop, tablet, smartphone
3. Field workforce
Examples: field workforce, logistics, transport, service engineers
Almost always on the road, different locations within a working day or week
Probable: dedicated, customized, individual device
4. Desk / corporate workplace
Examples: bank, call center, office staff
Individual computer/laptop belonging to the organization
Computer is primary work tool, available during most of working day
5. Home-based
Examples: Worker based at home most of the time
Individual computer/laptop belonging to the organization
Computer is primary work tool, available during most of working day
Thanks to many of you for your input, specifically Brian, Chuck, Franklin, Greg, Jonathan, Luke, Mike, Petra, Riikka, Roel, Shawn, Sherry and Susan.
2 Responses to “Type of workforce and intranet services”
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June 8th, 2011 at 8:37 am
Interesting overview. Just curious: could you please tell me more about ‘dedicated, custominzed, individual device’? Isn’t that just a smart phone? I’m advising clients about internal digital communication and this group is especially difficult.
Pjotr van Lenteren – Netherlands
June 8th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Hello Pjotr, no it’s more like what UPS drivers have when they deliver packages, or what electricity line repairmen carry with special apps for their work. Devices that are designed just for that job. Does that make sense for you?