Can mobile learning increase workplace productivity? What about social media and search engines? The answer is yes, all of the above can improve your employee's productivity, skills, and loyalty. Modern businesses are embracing the connections society creates online, and using them to build a solid workforce.
Educational Technology and Mobile Learning
Mobile learning, or e-learning, is distance education. This type of learning is self-paced, and can occur anywhere an Internet connection is available. According to "A Historical Overview of Mobile Learning" by H. Crompton, mobile learning is defined as, "Learning across multiple contexts, through social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices."
A great example of mobile learning done right is San Diego-based technology company Qualcomm. Qualcomm implemented a mobile learning team, and created a mobile learning app storewhere employees are free to download courses on leadership, productivity, mentoring, and more.
There are more than 90 apps available to Qualcomm's 31,000 employees, and the technology company isn't slowing down. They've implemented an internal app that functions like Twitter, and a badge reward system for completed courses. Employees can work on growing skills on their own, and they receive recognition for their work when a badge is added to their online profile.
"That becomes helpful for making talent decisions," the company's chief learning officer Tamar Elkeles explained to the Miami Herald. "We have less than 4 percent turnover, and we think it's because our employees feel they can continue to grow."
Internal Social Media Provides Instant Solutions
According to research conducted by the nation's leading neuroscientists, "solitary workers may be faster workers… Individuals given a specific task are slowed when witnessing someone perform a different task nearby, suggesting that workers may perform better if they are in isolation."
Businesses have long attempted to create individual spaces for their employees, in order to improve productivity (cubicles, corner offices, etc.). Unfortunately, solitary workers are sheltered away from anyone capable of providing quick solutions to their problems. Qualcomm created a Twitter-like app, titled Community. The app is featured on all computer screens, and workers can use it to find solutions, elevate calls, and quickly address customer needs. When used internally, social media is a great way to connect your employees without slowing them down.
How Search Affects Productivity
If your business is conducted using any type of connected network, your productivity is going to improve if this network is high-functioning, and your website is well-designed. There are two ways search affects productivity:
- Your employees use an e-learning system to quickly gather data and answer questions. Do you have a system wherein your employees can log in and review tutorials or company information? If so, a search function allows employees to track that information faster.
- You conduct your business using a website. A website is one of the easiest ways to secure business, maintain records, and process orders. But, in order to be visible online, and thus improve productivity, it must be high-functioning. According to SEO Inc, a company specializing in internet marketing in San Diego, "Search is what fulfills demand… If your website cannot be found or is not ranking for localized search terms, your San Diego business competitors will be a step ahead of you no matter what else you are doing to drive traffic to your website."
Our dependence on technology is not decreasing, so it only makes sense that businesses are using technology to increase their worker's productivity. Clearly, technology is powering a more productive workforce.
