How-To Guide

How to Seamlessly Introduce New HR Technology to Deskless Teams

What is new HR technology? Why do you need it for deskless teams? What will actually work in South Africa? This is how to introduce new HR technology to deskless teams.

Want to improve team communications and engagement with your frontline workforce in South Africa?

It’s sorely needed: 75% of SA’s workforce is deskless (meaning they don’t work in an office) and, according to Jem HR’s landmark 2024 Deskless Pulse research, 27% of these nearly 19 million employees say that their biggest stress factor at work is unclear communication with my manager or colleagues.

Effective communication is absolutely vital for a deskless worker, especially given their unique working conditions. A simple miscommunication can be financially devastating, especially given that so many frontline workers earn minimum wage – or close to it. Employee engagement is one of the biggest HR challenges facing deskless teams and the people that manage them.

Fortunately, new digital HR technologies like Jem HR are now creating powerful tools to improve company communications.

Here’s how to introduce this new HR technology to deskless workers.

What is HR Technology?

HR technology (or HR digitisation) refers to tools and platforms that streamline and optimise various HR processes, from digitised payroll to employee engagement and company communications, to timesheets and rosters. Over the years, it has evolved both automate processes and empower HR professionals and employees alike.

In industries where deskless teams form the majority, HR technology bridges the gap between operational needs and workforce realities, ensuring everyone stays connected and informed.

 

Why Do You Need New HR Technologies?

Managing deskless teams comes with its own set of challenges. These employees are spread across different sites and often don’t have access to the hardware that typical HR tools are built around, like email or desktop systems. These gaps often lead to inefficiencies, reduced compliance and increased operational costs.

HR technology addresses these pain points by offering solutions that meet deskless teams where they are – on their mobile phones or other readily accessible platforms.

Jem HR, for example, streamlines processes like payslip distribution, attendance and work scheduling, and internal communication via WhatsApp – the most secure platform with the highest adoption rate (94%+) in South Africa. This streamlines deskless worker communications for a more cohesive, productive and engaged workforce.

 

94%_of_South_Africans_use_whatsapp

 

What’s Available and Will It Actually Work in SA?

HR technology offers solutions like payroll automation to employee self-service platforms and financial wellness tools. Few are suitable for deskless teams in South Africa though, because email adoption and HR app usage are extremely low here.

But almost everyone in SA has WhatsApp, which is why WhatsApp-based HR solutions like Jem stand out as the most practical and impactful choice. It’s a familiar, low-cost platform that employees are already comfortable using. Therefore Jem already circumvents most of the general problems HR teams have when introducing new HR technology.

Still worried about whether people will actually use new technologies to the benefit of your business? Here’s a quick guide to making the process smoother.

 

Introducing New HR Technology to Deskless Teams: A Guide

1. Nail The Onboarding

How you introduce a new HR technology is crucial. Start by piloting the solution with a small group of employees to identify any challenges and refine the process. Ask them how they like using it to gather their feedback and adjust the tech before you roll it out.

You could even create some explainer materials that show them how to use the system. Also, encourage employees to ask questions and provide feedback in the early stages of the rollout. This helps build trust and ensures a more seamless adoption where everyone feels like they’re involved.

In fact, WhatsApp-based HR solutions like Jem HR – which leverage platforms that workers are already familiar with – are probably the best way to onboard people.

 

2. Provide Training as Needed

Showing people how to use a new HR technology to its full potential is important, so create some training sessions. Short, mobile-accessible video, audio or visual tutorials are normally ideal. Interactive quizzes or live Q&A sessions are great too.

It doesn’t have to be a once-off either. You can provide ongoing support through dedicated WhatsApp groups or assigned team champions who can answer questions and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

Again, Jem’s WhatsApp-based HR solutions unlock all of these features and avenues for you.

 

3. Build Effective Communication Strategies

It’s important to have a single central communications channel for sharing updates, answering questions and addressing concerns in real time when rolling out any new technology in business. And then allow for two-way feedback so that employees can voice their concerns or complete surveys and polls, etc.

It’s also important to ensure you communicate the benefits (reasons why) of the new technology consistently and clearly. If you’ve rolled a digital payslip solution or a vital work benefit like earned wage access, explain how it benefits them – you can view all your payslips from anywhere on your phone. Short on transport money because of a short notice shift change? Get cash quickly with EWA!

Once more, Jem’s WhatsApp-based HR digitisation makes all of this possible.

Technology can help HR team do things better and faster

Case Studies: Success in Action

Many South African companies in security, cleaning services, construction, manufacturing and more have unlocked amazing HR cost savings and business benefits by using Jem HR solutions.

Here are a few that truly benefited from rolling out new HR technology.

 

The Oryx Group Saves R600k Per Year

With over 2,800 employees spread across the country, The Oryx Group faced major HR challenges. Communication gaps, costly payslip distribution, and employee absenteeism due to financial struggles created inefficiencies and compliance risks.

By implementing Jem’s HR solutions, The Oryx Group achieved 100% compliance with payslip distribution laws and saved R50,000 every month. Jem’s Earned Wage Access product drastically reduced absenteeism, while payroll teams reclaimed 15% of their working hours, transforming HR processes.

 

KFC Cuts Payroll Time by 40 Hours a Month

KFC Albimix, struggled with time-intensive payroll processes and frequent employee queries. Using Jem’s payslip and communication tools, they slashed payroll time by 40 hours each month, saving R38,000 annually.

Payslip-related queries dropped by a staggering 98%, freeing the HR team to focus on strategic priorities. Jem’s solutions streamlined communication and eliminated inefficiencies for their frontline team.

 

Retailability Sees a 95% Drop in Loan Requests

Retail giant Retailability, with 7,500 employees, faced a flood of high-risk payday loans among staff, with 120 loan requests per year costing hours in payroll admin time. Jem’s Earned Wage Access product provided employees with a safer financial alternative, leading to a 95% reduction in loan requests.

 

Need a powerful and proven way to engage deskless employees?

Speak to Jem HR about new HR technology solutions that are tailor-made for South African companies.

Book a demo

Jem HR is a growing and trusted provider of innovative solutions for HR, payroll and attendance systems.

Book a demo with one of our product experts into the Jem Payslip, Communication, EWA and Roster products.

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