Boosting employee engagement is just as important as making a profit. According to Gallup, disengaged employees cost U.S. companies $450 billion and $550 billion annually.¹ In contrast, companies with engaged employees are 21% more profitable because engaged employees take 41% fewer sick days, are 17% more productive, and are 59% less likely to leave their jobs.²
There are many ways to improve team engagement and boosting team communication plays a huge role. Technology has changed different aspects of how we work and can also be leveraged to enhance employee engagement. Investing in the right digital tools can build a stronger, more connected team ready to grow, innovate, and succeed together.
18 Tools for Improving Employee Experience Through Technology
Whether juggling remote or hybrid work environments, there are multiple ways to maximize employee engagement by leveraging technology. Below are 18 tools to amplify internal communications, create development plans, enhance engagement strategies, and upskill workers.
Instant Messaging and Collaboration Tools
Effective communication is everything. We all know how frustrating it can be when we feel left out of the loop or unheard of at work. Technology can solve this problem by making communication easy, open, and instant. Whether checking in with colleagues or working on a project, instant messaging tools make it easy to stay in touch and collaborate in real time.
1. Slack
Slack allows teams to create channels for specific projects, departments, or even social conversations, keeping communication organized. It also helps remote teams feel more connected. With channels for casual chats, hobbies, or water cooler conversations, employees can build personal relationships and feel more engaged with their colleagues.
2. Microsoft Teams
For teams already using Microsoft products, Microsoft Teams is a seamless solution. It offers messaging, video calls, and file sharing in one place, making collaborating on documents in real-time easy. It also integrates smoothly with Microsoft Office apps like Word and Excel, meaning you can co-edit documents without switching platforms.
Video Conferencing Tools
Video conferencing tools are now essential for modern communication, especially with more people working remotely. These tools allow for face-to-face conversations, which help strengthen relationships with coworkers, clients, and partners.
1. Zoom
Zoom is widely used for virtual meetings due to its ease of use and reliability. It has features like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and breakout rooms. These breakout rooms help split larger meetings into smaller groups for focused discussions. Sharing screens and collaborating during calls enhances communication and helps everyone stay aligned.
2. Google Meet
As part of Google Workspace, Google Meet integrates seamlessly with other Google tools, such as Google Calendar and Google Docs. Scheduling and joining meetings are easy, and teams can edit documents in real time during calls. This feature is handy during brainstorming sessions or when providing project feedback, as everyone can contribute without interrupting the workflow.
3. Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is a long-standing video conferencing tool with high security, making it a favorite for large enterprises. It has AI-powered features like Webex Assistant for real-time meeting transcription and managing video meetings, messaging, and collaboration from one platform.
4. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is designed for businesses and offers features like one-click meetings, screen sharing, and integrations with other business tools. It also has a “commuter mode,” allowing users to join calls using less bandwidth, perfect for teams on the go or with unreliable internet connections.
Project Management Tools
Keeping track of tasks and deadlines is critical for any team, especially those working on multiple projects. Project coordination tools help teams stay organized, assign tasks, and track progress, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
1. Trello
Trello’s visual, board-based layout makes it a favorite for teams that like to see tasks simultaneously. Each task is represented as a “card” that can be moved through different stages, such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” or “Completed.” It’s simple to use but powerful enough for teams that need to track multiple projects simultaneously.
2. Asana
Asana allows teams to break down projects into smaller tasks, assign them to specific team members, and set deadlines. Asana’s timeline feature helps teams visualize the project’s progress, ensuring everyone knows what’s due and when. The platform also supports detailed workflows and automation, which helps streamline repetitive tasks.
File Sharing and Document Collaboration
Working on shared documents shouldn’t be a headache. With the right tools, teams can collaborate on files in real time, making it easier to stay aligned and work efficiently without the back-and-forth of emailing updated versions.
1. Google Drive
Google Drive offers a seamless solution for teams to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. The real-time collaboration feature allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, automatically saving changes. Feedback is also made easy with the comments and suggestions feature, allowing users to leave notes without altering the original text.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox is popular for teams sharing large files, like videos, graphics, or design projects. Its cloud storage capabilities ensure that files are synced across devices, so everyone can access the latest version, no matter where they are. It also has robust sharing features and lets you set permissions to control who can view or edit files.
Time Management and Productivity Tools
Staying productive often depends on managing time well. Time coordination tools help individuals and teams track their time spending, ensuring that they focus on high-priority tasks.
1. Toggl
Toggl is a straightforward time-tracking tool that helps teams monitor their time spent on each task or project. Its reporting features allow managers to analyze time spent on tasks, helping them make data-driven decisions to optimize workflows. This is valuable for freelancers or teams working on billable hours, as it tracks time spent on specific projects for invoicing purposes.
2. RescueTime
RescueTime helps individuals understand how they’re spending their time on their devices. It tracks the time spent on various apps and websites, providing a detailed report of potential distractions. With this data, users can set goals to limit time spent on non-work-related sites and refocus on productive tasks.
Automation Tools
We all have tasks that repeat day in and day out. Automation tools can handle these repetitive tasks, freeing time for more meaningful work and helping teams operate more efficiently.
1. Zapier
Zapier connects different apps to automate workflows, known as “Zaps.” For example, it can automatically create a task in Asana when a new lead is added to your CRM system or notify your team in Slack when a form is submitted. With over 6,000 apps supported, Zapier can streamline countless tasks, making it a powerful tool for improving efficiency.
2. IFTTT
IFTTT (If This Then That) is another automation tool, but it’s more tailored for individual users. You can create simple automation “recipes” to streamline personal tasks. For instance, you can set IFTTT to automatically save attachments from emails to Google Drive or receive reminders about upcoming deadlines. These small automations make the day run more smoothly, freeing time for more critical work.
Performance Management Software
Feedback helps employees understand how they’re doing and where they can improve. With the right tools, feedback can become a regular part of the work environment, making it easier to stay on track and feel supported.
1. 15Five
15Five allows employees to check in weekly with simple questions about progress, challenges, and goals. Managers get insights into how their teams are doing, and employees feel heard. This helps to keep communication open, so issues are addressed early and successes are celebrated.
2. Lattice
Lattice enables ongoing feedback, so employees don’t have to wait for annual reviews to know how they’re doing. With peer-to-peer recognition built in, it encourages a positive, supportive culture where achievements are recognized, helping employees stay motivated.
Wellness Tools
A healthy employee is an engaged employee. Wellness tools can improve employee well-being by helping them manage stress and focus on work.
1. Calm
Calm provides guided meditations, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to help employees manage stress and anxiety. Introducing this tech is a way to show employees that you care about their mental health.
2. Headspace
Headspace offers simple mindfulness exercises employees can fit into their day, like five-minute meditations to help reset between tasks. It’s a small step toward promoting mental well-being, which can help improve focus.
WANT TO BOOST EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN? START WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE—AND THE RIGHT TECH!
In manufacturing, distribution, and logistics, keeping your team engaged is critical to staying competitive. But with 70% of companies struggling to find skilled talent, the clock is ticking!3
At Spectra360, we get that hiring the right people can feel overwhelming—whether it’s sifting through resumes or finding someone who’s not just qualified but genuinely fits your team. That’s where we come in. We’ll connect you with professionals who will fit your company’s culture and be prepared to leverage the latest tech tools to streamline communication and ramp up productivity.
Let us handle the hiring hassle so you can focus on optimizing your operations. Reach out today—before the competition snaps up the top talent!
References
- “How to Tackle U.S. Employees’ Stagnating Engagement” Gallup, 11 June 2013, news.gallup.com/businessjournal/162953/tackle-employees-stagnating-engagement.aspx.
- “10 Statistics About Employee Engagement That Might Shock You” Chezuba, 16 July 2024, chezuba.net/blog/10-statistics-about-employee-engagement-that-might-shock-you.
- Duarte, Fabio. “The Latest Labor Shortage Trends and Statistics (2024).” Exploding Topics, 10 June 2024, explodingtopics.com/blog/labor-shortage-stats.
