In today’s fast-paced business world, technology has become an indispensable tool for companies seeking to streamline their operations and stay ahead of the competition. Smart software development and new technologies such as AI, IoT and AR (Augmented Reality) in FSM (Field Service Management) systems can very positively impact workforce experience and help to not only attract but retain valuable, skilled workers.
Advanced software enables companies to streamline their operations, automate administrative tasks, and optimise the use of resources. It can remove onerous paperwork, ensure a safer workplace and, with a good user interface (UI) and easy drag and drop features, make task completion simpler and faster.
In today’s climate of a lack of skilled resources, having a system that not only increases efficiency but also makes the working day easier and more enjoyable for the workforce, is critical to ensuring companies retain staff, stay competitive and continue to grow. In the United Kingdom, employee turnover rates have been a concern. In a study carried out by UK Money, it was stated that the UK has one of the highest employee turnover rates in Europe, with an average of 16.8% of employees leaving their jobs in 2022, indicating the need for companies in the UK to prioritise employee retention as a strategic imperative.
Speaking from our own experience of our platform with our customers, we take a look at how an effective field service management system can make an impact on workforce attraction and retention.
FSM impact on the back-office and mobile workforce
Reduced administrative burden improves job satisfaction
- No paper, no spreadsheets
- Automate routine tasks
- Streamline workflows
One of the main ways in which our software is helping companies attract and retain employees is by offering a more streamlined and efficient way to manage the workforce. With FSM software, companies can manage everything from auto-scheduling and dispatching to job assignments and invoicing from a single, easy-to-use platform.
This not only reduces the administrative burden on employees by reducing or eliminating paperwork and complex spreadsheets that often must be completed by the field engineer out of hours, but it also ensures that jobs are allocated to the right people with the right skills, leading to greater job satisfaction and improved work-life balance for employees.
By automating routine tasks, such as scheduling and dispatching, employees can focus on what they do best: providing high-quality service to customers. This not only increases job satisfaction but also reduces employee burnout and turnover.
Access to information and resources improves service delivery
- Access to shared data
- Easy collaboration tools
- Better customer communications
A good field service management system provides a centralised platform for communication and collaboration between supervisors, warehouse managers, field workers, back-office administrators, customer service centres and customers. This ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing missed appointments, inventory delays, confusion and errors, and improves customer satisfaction.
With shared data, such as job details, updates, customer history, inventory tracking and service notes at their fingertips, field operators can deliver faster and more efficient service. When employees feel empowered and equipped with the necessary tools to do their job effectively, they are more likely to stay with the company and contribute to its success. Moreover, businesses that consistently provide excellent customer service are more likely to differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract and retain more business.
Good tools improve efficiency and incentivise employees
- Intuitive tools and mobile app
- Dashboards and reporting
- Targeted training and development
Our own system, Simply Workflow, provides companies with valuable insights into their workforce (including contractors) and operations, and actionable trends that contribute to improved efficiency and cost reduction. Performance dashboards track data such as job completion rates, time on site, and travel time, helping our customers to identify areas for optimization and resource allocation improvements. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also empowers companies to provide employees with the necessary resources, support and motivation they need to succeed.
Giving your workforce good tools like an intuitive mobile app, easy form builders, checklists and data uploads in real time, can really simplify tasks and give time back to busy employees. Real-time data uploads and views assist HQ in supporting workers in the field and improve both the speed and quality of decision making.
Tracking employee performance helps to identify skill gaps, paving the way for companies to roll out targeted training and development initiatives. By providing access to training and best practices, employees benefit from the opportunity to acquire new skills, improve job performance, stay up to date with industry trends and best practices, and provide them with a clear career path within the organisation.
Everyone goes home safe
- Visibility in real-time
- Enforced compliance
- Better incident / near miss reporting
The safety of employees is a top priority for any organisation, but also for the employees themselves. FSM software can play a crucial role in ensuring that employees are working in safe conditions. Building the necessary safety checks into the system, field operations personnel are taken through the necessary steps to progress with their tasks. Real-time views allow auditing from HQ or in the field and safety issues to be identified on the go and dealt with immediately. Proactively addressing safety not only reduces the likelihood of workplace accidents, but also boosts employee satisfaction and retention.
Automated process steps and proactive monitoring ensure compliance with safety regulations and guidelines. Some FSM systems can track whether employees have received the necessary safety training, qualifications, and certifications, and alert the business when certifications are due to expire. This proactive approach not only safeguards employees but also ensures regulatory compliance, averting penalties and fines.
A safe workplace improves employee morale, which, in turn, increases job satisfaction and engagement. Employees are more likely to feel valued and appreciated when their employer prioritises their safety, which leads to increased retention rates.
Simply Workflow is designed specifically for field operations
Simply Workflow field service management is a powerful tool that offers several significant advantages. First and foremost, it is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, eliminating the need for paperwork or spreadsheets. By enabling field workers to submit work on time, the system simplifies their tasks and enhances their overall experience.
Secondly, the system prioritises health and safety, ensuring that workers feel safe when they are in the field. It provides access to custom drag and drop risk assessments and facilitates real-time incident reporting. This emphasis on safety promotes a secure working environment and instills confidence in the field workers.
Time-saving is another key feature of the Simply Workflows system. With all the necessary information readily available to back office employees, the warehouse and field workers, tasks can be completed accurately during the first visit, eliminating the need for repeat visits. This not only saves time but also makes service delivery much more efficient.
The Simply Workflow system is equipped with live software, enabling seamless communication between management and all aspects of operations, from appointment scheduling though to invoicing. This real-time communication ensures that critical information, such as schedule changes or urgent requests, reaches field workers promptly. This improves responsiveness, accelerates problem resolution, and ultimately enhances both employee and customer satisfaction.
If you would like to find out more about how Simply Workflow can help your organisation to attract and retain field operators, please visit simplyworkflow.com or call us on +44 2843320496.
