To maximize the engagement of your teams in the field, it is essential to:
- provide them with adapted communication tools,
- recognize their efforts,
- theirs offer continuing education, thus strengthening their motivation and effectiveness.
According to a recent study by Gallup, low employee engagement costs the global economy $8.8 billion. In 2021, only 6% of French people said they were fully committed to their business. This data is frightening but reflects reality. Motivating your teams is crucial for any business, especially those with many employees in the field. These employees, often on the front line, play a decisive role in the customer experience and the quality of services.
However, keeping them engaged is a challenge. Teams are scattered, communication tools are inadequate, and information is sometimes outdated. However, their involvement has a direct impact on the company's image, productivity and profitability. Managers must therefore play a key role in motivating employees, using effective communication techniques and offering continuous training opportunities. But how can we improve this motivation? That's what we're going to see in this article!
Why should we be interested in the engagement of teams in the field?
Take an interest in the commitment of teams in the field is essential for several reasons that affect both operational efficiency and overall business performance.
- Direct impact on customer satisfaction
Field teams are often the first points of contact with customers. Their motivation is directly reflected in the quality of the service offered. An engaged employee creates a positive customer experience and builds customer loyalty for your business much more easily!
- Productivity improvement
Engaged field teams are more productive, just like any team in your business. They show greater efficiency in the execution of their tasks and it shows: reduction of errors, delays... Managers play a crucial role in this dynamic, ensuring that every employee is supported and motivated. A good manager can transform employee engagement into a significant improvement in overall productivity.
- Reduction in turnover
The commitment is a key factor in talent retention (and therefore a decrease in turnover). Engaged employees are less likely to leave the company, which reduces the costs of recruiting and training new employees. Low turnover also contributes to maintaining expertise and valuable operational continuity!
- Strengthening corporate culture
Finally, the commitment of field teams contributes to a positive corporate culture. Committed employees feel valued and connected to the mission and values of the company.
What are the consequences of a disengagement of field teams?
The disengagement of field teams can have a considerable impact on your business! Significant disengagement can affect various aspects of your functioning and performance:
- A weakened corporate image: The disengagement of field teams can damage the company's image. Employees who are not motivated can offer a lower quality service, which has a negative impact on the company's reputation.
- A decrease in motivation: Poor engagement also leads to a decrease in motivation within the team, which impacts productivity and profitability.
- Lower productivity: Unmotivated teams cost more in terms of time and resources, and low engagement leads to lower productivity.
Establishing training programs is essential to strengthen team engagement and ensure that teams remain motivated and productive. Effective training can transform the level of commitment and improve overall team performance.
What is the reason for the drop in field teams' commitment?
- Dispersed teams
Field teams are often geographically dispersed, making it difficult to coordinate and maintain a team spirit. Without a regular physical presence, a sense of belonging can quickly weaken, affecting employee morale and productivity.
- The lack of appropriate communication tools
Field employees sometimes lack effective communication tools: traditional channels are no longer enough! Modern tools are needed today to promote smooth and constant communication, allowing employees to stay connected and well-informed.
- Irrelevant information
Sharing irrelevant information can also compromise engagement. Field employees need accurate and useful information to do their jobs well. Providing relevant information helps to keep them motivated and to ensure a high level of performance.
Maximize the engagement of teams in the field through better communication
- The power of “mobile first”
Mobile applications are a good solution to facilitate communication and access to information for field teams. They allow you to stay connected at all times and to receive instant updates. A true ally of vocational training, these applications also allow teams in the field to train everywhere, all the time.
Making information accessible on smartphones and tablets allows field employees to consult the necessary data in real time, wherever they are!
- Two-way communication
To successfully integrate your teams in the field with the rest of the company, two-way communication is essential. Field teams should be able to share their feedback and suggestions.. This reinforces their sense of involvement and improves your processes in the long term.
Engagement platforms also improve exchanges between employees and the company. They are software or online applications that promote job satisfaction. They make it possible to centralize communications and gather constructive feedback.
- Personalizing messages
Adapting messages according to teams and locations improves their relevance. In this way, each team receives information. specifically useful to its own context (according to their profession, sector, etc.).
To do this, we recommend using multimedia content, as it better captures the attention of employees (videos, infographics, images). Indeed, multimedia and visual content, such as images and videos, are more engaging and easier to understand. They help to convey complex information clearly and concisely, and to make it easier to remember information.
- User Generated Content (UGC)
User generated content (UGC) is also a good way to strengthen the engagement of field teams. It improves internal communication, encourages innovation, and creates a cohesive community. In addition, he offers recognition and visibility to employees who play the game, while enriching the company's training catalog.
- Gamification
Gamification Use game elements to stimulate engagement (challenges, points, rankings, badges, etc.), and is excellent for motivating teams to achieve their goals. Indeed, recognition and rewards programs value the efforts of employees, and they can be deployed in a hybrid or 100% digital format!
The involvement of teams in the field is essential for the sustainability of the company. By addressing communication challenges and implementing appropriate strategies, it is possible to generate a stimulating and effective work environment for all teams. Businesses that value the commitment of their teams in the field see a real improvement in customer satisfaction, productivity and profitability. Adopt these strategies today to maximize the engagement of your field teams, you won't be disappointed!
