How to Manage Your Mobile Workforce

“Your mobile workforce management is your most valuable asset. The knowledge and skills they have to represent the fuel that drives the engine of business - and you can leverage that knowledge. " --Harvey Mackay

In today's always-on, uber-connected society, businesses can't afford to close. And why would you? With the advent of technology, you can hire a team of mobile-remote personnel who can work around the clock for you, whether it be customer service, sales, or IT. However, there can be some issues with mobile workforce management. Since the staff is not in-house, how do you monitor mobile workforce management performance without having to micro-manage? The good news is there are multiple options and tools for you to use for mobile workforce management.

The first thing when it comes to mobile workforce management, that you want to do is to implement a company-wide CRM system that your workforce can have access to wherever they are. Make it mandatory that they update the system with their results in whatever time frame you insist. It could be daily, weekly, or bi-weekly depending on the type of work they do. Before hiring them, let them know this is a mandatory part of the job. 

This way there is no confusion. With mobile workforce management, you don't have to worry about managing a bevy of mobile staff through email and instant messages. Can you imagine having to pore through hundreds of emails a day just to figure out how your personnel is performing? If you have them update their status, all you have to do is to look up their profile to determine the next steps with their current mobile workforce management workload.

Our laptops, smartphones, and tablets allow us to take our work anywhere. This is a good thing for businesses, especially if you only need or can afford help on a part-time basis. Allow your employees to bring their own device (BYOD) or choose a device that you offer (CYOD). There are benefits and disadvantages to both. 

Employees seem to like the BYOD option the best because they don't need to carry around additional equipment they don't like using. The caveat is with security, especially if they are accessing sensitive company data. On the other hand, there are a variety of mobile workforce management cloud software solutions that protect your company data on the cloud as opposed to per device, so you have fewer worries over security breaches.

With CYOD, you give your employees a selection of approved company devices. Mobile workforce management lets you have more control over what types of devices they use for work. Mobile workforce management also helps to enable them to keep work life and personal life separate. Of course, more than likely, you will have to foot the cost for the devices since you are giving them limited options. So, keep that in mind when making your mobile workforce management decision.

If your mobile workforce management does have to access vulnerable company information, you need to make security a priority. Either has your IT team set up a system of security protocols for logging in and out of the company systems or make sure all devices are installed with your preferred security features. In addition, have your mobile workforce management employees change their passwords on a regular basis, you can make this mandatory. Of course, there isn't a 100 percent guarantee that your data still will not incur a breach, but it is better to start on a proactive, rather than a reactive path with your mobile workforce management.

Certainly, if you have a business that requires maintaining a fleet of drivers, you should install GPS monitoring and tracking devices into the vehicles. It can be too easy for your mobile workforce management staff to use the vehicles for personal and not work reasons. A GPS tracking system is a just smart business. You want to know that your assignments are being performed on time and in the most cost-effective way possible. Furthermore, you want to know that the mobile workforce management is following highway laws and speed limits, this affects your company's reputation. And, you want to be made immediately aware of any maintenance issues that need to be addressed.

If you have salespeople, you might want to track how many clients touches they have made throughout the day or even phone calls. This is difficult to do when they work remotely. Certainly, there are some star salespeople who have the right set of clients where they don't need to pound the phones or social media all day long to produce a profit. But, this is an exception and not the average. So, you can give the mobile workforce management devices/tools to use specifically for client-reaching efforts. You might even install applications for mobile workforce management and monitor their client-based social media use, whether it be through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. The point is you have to know how the mobile workforce management is spending their time on your company's budget.

Having a mobile workforce management workforce is a boon because you don't have to operate a large office space just to have the staff you need. It becomes even better when you use and implement the right tools.

Mobile workforce management is a growing trend as more and more employees use their personal devices for work tasks. This can bring many benefits, such as increased flexibility and productivity. However, it also brings new challenges for employers, who must find ways for mobile workforce management effectively. 

One of the biggest benefits of managing mobile workforce management is increased productivity. Employees can work from anywhere at any time, which can lead to shorter project timelines and less wasted time. In addition, mobile workers tend to be more engaged with their work because they can customize their work environment to fit their needs. 

Another benefit of managing mobile workforce management is increased engagement from employees. With the ability to work from anywhere, employees can take advantage of working from locations that suit their needs and lifestyle. This can lead to increased satisfaction with their job, as well as increased motivation and productivity. 

Finally, managing mobile workforce management can also lead to improved communication and collaboration between mobile workforce management employees. With the ability to work from anywhere, employees can easily connect with each other regardless of location. Mobile workforce management can help to improve team dynamics and overall communication within the workplace. 

Overall, there are many benefits to mobile workforce management. By taking advantage of the increased productivity, engagement, and communication that this type of workforce can offer, employers can create a more successful and efficient business.