There are two main reasons why mobile working has become so popular today. Firstly, technological developments in social, mobile, digital and the cloud, have resulted in many disruptive innovations and products as well as new ways of doing business. Digital technology supplemented by high speed internet, smart mobile devices, video conferencing and collaboration applications, and digital meeting solutions, such as Convene, have enabled mobile working.

Secondly, most organisations today operate in a global and increasingly challenging business environment. Business processes have become more complex while employees across levels are facing challenges like never before. Today, employees need to be mobile and travel ready, work out of different business locations and be part of or manage teams that are dispersed across the globe. In this context, providing flexibility and facilitating mobile working for employees is a priority for all organisations.

Mobile Working and Hospitality

It has been a commonly accepted notion that mobile working applies mostly to sectors such as Information Technology (IT) and Consulting where employees need to travel frequently on business. For many in hospitality, these are their frequent business customers.  However, as mentioned before, the global business environment has changed rapidly in recent times and this applies to organisations of all sizes across industries. In this context, the hospitality industry is no exception. Organisations in the hospitality industry are true multinational conglomerates, operating in many different countries, with business needs that are local as well as global. Senior executives and management professionals of a global hotel or restaurant chain belonging to sales, procurement, property development or IT departments need to travel regularly across sites and properties; they need to be able to work from remote locations and while in transit. Mobile working is undoubtedly not only applicable but also critical to the hospitality industry, as the best way to serve the needs of the mobile working customer is to experience mobile working oneself.

Benefits of Mobile Working

It is also important to understand the benefits that mobile working offers. Let’s explore some key ones below.

BYOD, Mobility, and Flexibility

Smart mobile devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops have become the preferred computing device in recent times. These devices are not short of computing power but are easy to carry and operate. The concept of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) has become popular amongst professionals and organisations these days. BYOD helps reduce IT overheads and costs for the organisation, and gives the employee the option to use their own device within the remits of organisational rules and regulations. Mobile working, hence, gives employees the flexibility of working from anywhere and anytime.

Increased Productivity and Creativity

It is obvious that happy and satisfied employees will always be more productive. As suggested by a study done by Cisco, mobile working “brings with it a huge potential to improve workforce productivity, improve staff motivation, flexibility and retention[1]. Surely, if employees have the option to use their own devices, have flexible working conditions and can work even when they are mobile, there is no room for complaints anymore!

Saving on the Cost of Infrastructure

Setting up office space and maintaining the same in urban areas can be very expensive. Therefore, many companies are encouraging the option of mobile working. With suitable technology enablement, employees can work remote and not impact productivity for the organisation.

Better Health of Employees

Mobile working helps a company reduce absenteeism of its employees. It also helps employees maintain a better work-life balance thereby improving their overall health, reducing stress, and increasing their commitment towards work.

Attracting and Retaining Valuable Employees

Companies not only look to retaining their valuable employees, but also try to attract a wider talent pool. The option of mobile working has a positive impact on employees and can keep them motivated – this makes it easier for the company to retain them.

[1] Pearn Kandola and Cisco, 2007, A Study: Understanding and Managing the Mobile Workforce, Cisco: San Hose

 

 

About Convene

Convene is a leading digital meeting solution that offers a secure mobile working experience for your employees. With its intuitive user experience, omni-platform compatibility and simple learning curve, this award-winning meeting app helps you transition easily from paper-based to new-age digital meetings and stay connected with your work even when you are on the go.

Visit our stand at the upcoming International Hotel Technology Forum in Paris, France.

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