New Approaches to Employee Communication

Nothing is as constant as change. This is especially true of the way people communicate with one another. The Internet, social media, and smartphones have fundamentally transformed communication over the past few decades. This change is now also reflected in Werner Schmid’s internal communications.

To complement its traditional communication channels, the company has developed a Werner Schmid employee app that allows employees to access important information anywhere and at any time. The app serves as an interface to the company’s expanded intranet. Here, employees can find the latest news, announcements, and surveys. Links to interesting media reports related to the company round out the offering. Users have the option to submit anonymous questions about the provided content directly within the app. Access to a company wiki with details on employment-related topics—such as health management, workplace safety, or company-sponsored benefits (pension plans, bicycle leasing, etc.)—as well as phone directories and an overview of current job openings round out the information offerings. In addition, the app allows employees to submit suggestions for workplace improvements directly via the app. A dedicated marketplace facilitates networking among employees.

The entire app was developed in consultation with the company’s data protection officers to ensure it is designed with data protection in mind. It can be used completely anonymously, and its use is entirely voluntary. By providing information quickly and immediately and offering a direct way to provide feedback, it offers WS employees significant added value and enables faster and more transparent communication of essential information within the company.