Transforming Internal Communication for a Leading Housing Provider with Mobile-First Technology
Introduction
In the fast-evolving landscape of digital transformation, organisations are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance communication, streamline operations, and foster a cohesive work environment. Mears Group, a leading UK housing and care provider, embarked on such a journey to empower its 6,500+ employees across the nation. With a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce, Mears required a robust, mobile-first solution that could bring its employees together in a dynamic and engaging way. As the Project Management and Product Ownership team for this initiative, we led the development and deployment of a custom-branded mobile application that would revolutionise internal communication and collaboration within the organisation.
Overview
Mears Group is committed to improving the communities they serve by delivering top-tier housing and care services. To support this mission, we sought to enhance internal collaboration and communication among its employees. The primary challenge was to create a mobile-first digital platform that could seamlessly integrate with existing systems while providing an engaging user experience. Our objective was clear: transform a distributed organisation into a closely connected digital community, enabling employees to share ideas, updates, and best practices across the UK.
Project Execution
The project commenced with an in-depth consultation phase, where we identified Mears’ specific needs and challenges. Recognising the importance of mobile optimisation, we proposed a company-branded, white-labeled mobile application powered by Workplaceon. This app was designed to be accessible on both iOS and Android devices, ensuring all employees, regardless of location or role, could connect and collaborate effectively.
Key phases of the project included:
1. Design and Customisation: Working closely with Mears, we designed a user-friendly interface that reflected the company’s brand identity. This involved the integration of features like Social Feeds, Content Hubs, and People Search to enhance employee engagement.
2. Implementation Strategy: We developed a comprehensive implementation plan, leveraging the expertise of a dedicated Customer Success Manager and a network of ‘Digital Champions’ within Mears. These champions were pivotal in driving adoption and providing technical support across the organisation.
3. Pre-boarding and On-boarding: To ensure new employees were integrated smoothly, we integrated the app with Mears’ HR system, Workday. This allowed for a seamless pre-boarding process where new hires could access essential information, complete profiles, and engage with team members before their official start date. The on-boarding process further reinforced company policies and culture, ensuring that all employees were well-prepared and connected from day one.
4. Security and Accessibility: To accommodate Mears’ security requirements, we implemented Single Sign-on (SSO) for secure access. Additionally, the app was made available in public app stores, allowing employees to download it on their personal devices, thereby enhancing accessibility.
Outcome and Impact
The deployment of the MearsConnect app has had a transformative impact on Mears Group’s operations. The mobile-first approach has enabled the organisation to bridge the gap between its widely distributed workforce, fostering a stronger sense of community and collaboration. The Social Feed and Content Hubs have become vital tools for employees to share knowledge, celebrate successes, and stay informed about company initiatives.
Employee engagement metrics have shown a significant increase, with more employees actively participating in digital conversations and utilising the platform’s features. The pre-boarding and on-boarding processes have streamlined the integration of new employees, reducing time to productivity and enhancing the overall employee experience.
Overall, the project not only met but exceeded Mears Group’s expectations, positioning the organisation as a leader in digital transformation within the housing and care sector. This case study stands as a testament to the power of strategic project management and the successful adoption of mobile-first technology in driving organisational growth and employee satisfaction.