Is BYOD right for my organization?

It is the debate that rages worldwide in retail management circles: Should retailers embrace a true digital workplace and allow associates to bring their own device (BYOD) to work and use it on the shop floor?

“It is very parent/child. We cannot check that the kids are home from school, yet management can use their cell phones when they want. Why don’t they trust us to be responsible?”
— Frontline Store Associate

There is a persistent worry about customer perception. If customers see associates on their phones, will they think the store isn’t customer-focused? But what if your workforce was more informed precisely because they were using their devices to drive sales and assist customers?

The Digital Workplace Experience: A Strategic Opportunity

Retailers worldwide are facing online growth, stagnant property portfolios, and commodity inflation. Most are struggling to achieve sales growth. Yet, while consumers grow more digitally savvy, many retailers ignore their greatest strategic opportunity: the Digital Workplace Experience (DWEX).

[Image of the link between employee engagement and customer satisfaction]

How can retailers embrace their greatest asset? Frontline employees crave knowledge about the products they sell. They want to be Empowered, Engaged, and Educated (E³). By providing a digital workplace that allows communication on their own devices, employees can access training without the constraints of traditional notice boards and back-room portals.

Ditching the “Notice Board” Mentality

Predominant avenues like SMS, WhatsApp, and intranets have no guarantee that staff will read messages. When was the last time you saw an associate standing in front of a printed notice board reading a message from their CEO? Probably never. The opportunity for growth is in the palm of your employees’ hands right now.

By creating your DWEX, you actually improve your Customer Experience (CEX)!

Breaking Down Ageist Myths and Driving “Reverse Mentoring”

The digital workplace isn’t just for millennials; it isn’t ageist. In fact, retail leaders have a massive opportunity to support “reverse mentoring,” where tech-savvy associates support each other. A DWEX business drives peer-to-peer learning and presents transparency that was previously impossible.

Bold leaders will deliver business content directly to their frontline. This includes product information, schedules, surveys, and ethical sourcing information—all delivered via video content that brings a designer’s or buyer’s vision to life on the shop floor.

The Future: Going Digital Has No Limits

Imagine your workforce armed with visual merchandise guides, in-store display setups, and marketing campaigns—all on their personal devices. By removing the “traditional cascade” approach, information reaches the frontline in real-time. This isn’t just theory; it’s a proven method to drive sales and volume growth.

What is your business focus? When do you plan on harnessing your workforce by creating a digitally engaged frontline?