Low email usage, high WhatsApp adoption and a game-changing comms solution – this is why WhatsApp is the ideal channel for a distributed workforce in South Africa
Need a better communications solution for deskless employees in South Africa?
SA is a special case because, as we’ve shown before, the traditional business channels such as internal apps and email doesn’t work in South Africa.
And with only a third of the South African workforce using email daily, Human Resources functions are concerned with engaging deskless employees at a time when real innovation is needed to engage them.
That’s why we at Jem HR built our platform to help South African companies digitise their HR by sending communication with employees on WhatsApp.
From sending digital payslips to timesheets and rosters, internal company communications to benefits like Earned Wage Access and even allowing employees to access vital financial education – it’s all set up to engage employees where they are already most active.
Here’s why WhatsApp is the ideal channel for a distributed workforce in SA.
WhatsApp: The Game-Changer for Distributed Teams in South Africa
South Africa’s mobile penetration is among the highest in the world – over 195% of the population is connected via mobile phones. In other words, there are almost two active mobile connections per person in the country.
Combined with the widespread adoption of WhatsApp of over 94%, this creates the perfect opportunity for businesses to streamline communication through a platform their employees already use daily.
For distributed teams – spanning sectors like manufacturing, retail, mining, construction, farming, security, field services and more – WhatsApp bridges the gap where traditional digital communication tools like email often fail.
Let’s break down why WhatsApp is the ideal channel for these workforces.
Why WhatsApp is the Ideal Channel for a Distributed Workforce
1. Mobile Accessibility & High Adoption Rates
With over 94% of South African internet users using WhatsApp, it’s already the preferred communication platform. Unlike email, WhatsApp requires no advanced setup or desktop access – employees can engage with company messages directly through their mobile phones.
This makes it ideal for reaching deskless workers who may not have reliable internet access or time to check email during their shifts.
2. Cost-Effectiveness & Easy Setup
WhatsApp is free to use, and many South African mobile providers offer affordable data bundles for it, making communication cost-effective for employees who rely on mobile internet.
For companies, setting up WhatsApp communication requires minimal investment compared to other communication tools, allowing them to reach employees instantly without the overhead of traditional infrastructure.
3. Instant, Secure Communication
With end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp ensures that all messages sent between employers and employees remain secure.
This is crucial in industries where sensitive information, such as payslips or work schedules, needs to be communicated. Instant messaging also ensures that employees receive updates in real-time, promoting faster response times and more effective team collaboration.
And it’s not theoretical – many SA companies have already benefited from cost savings and increased efficiency by digitising their HR with Jem.
Real SA Companies that Benefit from Jem HR’s WhatsApp Enablement
1. Saving Oryx Group R600k Per Year on HR Admin
Jem HR helped the Oryx Group (with over 2,800 employees) save R50,000 per month on payslip distribution by switching to WhatsApp-based digital payslips, resulting in a total annual savings of R600,000.
The company also saw a 15% reduction in HR workload and resolved compliance issues regarding secure, timely payslip distribution. By using Jem’s Earned Wage Access, Oryx also reduced absenteeism and payroll processing burdens.
2. Helping Change WastePlan’s Culture and Reduce Employee Turnover
Jem HR helped WastePlan reduce operational burdens and improve internal communication by implementing WhatsApp-based communication.
This saved the company 470 hours per week in communication tasks and led to improved employee motivation and reduced staff turnover – from 30% to 25% monthly at certain sites.
Read WastePlan’s full story here
3. Saving Prosec R120k Per Year on Payslips Distribution
Prosec, with over 400 employees, saved R120k per year by switching from printed to WhatsApp-based payslip distribution via Jem HR.
The company also saved around 360 admin hours annually in payroll administration. Using WhatsApp for communication improved employee relations by ensuring consistent and immediate messaging across all sites. In addition, the Earned Wage Access product contributed to a significant 10x reduction in staff turnover.
Read the full Prosec story here
4. Saving Lasec Employees over R45k Per Month in Loans & Interest Fees
Lasec implemented Jem HR’s Earned Wage Access (EWA) to address employee financial stress and reduce reliance on high-interest loans. By offering employees early access to their earned wages, Lasec eliminated loan requests entirely and saved employees around R45,000 annually in loan interest.
This resulted in a 100% reduction in loan-related administrative tasks, significantly improving employee satisfaction.
5. Helping Cut Payslip Queries by 100% at DoubleTree Hilton
DoubleTree Hilton cut payslip queries by 100% after switching to WhatsApp-based payslip distribution via Jem HR. By using WhatsApp for both payslip and announcement delivery, they improved communication efficiency, reducing the time spent on payroll tasks by 90%.
WhatsApp’s read-receipt tracking also ensured better communication with frontline staff. Additionally, the introduction of Earned Wage Access eliminated employee loan requests, enhancing overall job satisfaction.
Get the full DoubleTree Hilton story here
How to Get WhatsApp-based Communication for Your Teams
Ready to improve employee engagement with powerful, instant company messaging?
Contact Jem today to schedule a demo and see how you can help you engage, build trust and empower your team(s) with our WhatsApp-based solution.
