In this Communication Markets Report, Ofcom suggests people are looking to ‘switch off’ by taking a digital detox. The survey, which questioned more than 2,000 adults and 500 teenagers suggested 34% of internet users are taking regular periods away from the web, often for up to a month.
However, in spite of consumer demand to “turn off”, online usage is on the up, in particular, in the form of messenger apps such as WhatsApp or Snapchat, and Ofcom found that 16-24 years-olds are more likely to embrace newer on-demand online services and that instant messaging is “more important to this age group than any other means of communication”.
The number of 16-24 years-olds using instant messaging has increased 15% from 2014 to 53% in 2015, as 15% of 16-24-year-olds revealed they are most likely to keep in touch with friends and colleagues through social media. Overall, 82% of internet users agreed that new communications methods have made life easier, in particular, to get in touch with family, friends and work colleagues.
Speaking with my youngest daughter (via SMS from across the room in which we were both sat, naturally!), one thing she mentioned really struck me – she didn’t necessarily think about the different apps she and her friends used to communicate – Some of her friends resided in WhatsApp, while others preferred Messenger or Snapchat (where to have the highest continuous streak of chats brings huge kudos!). It was the type of message she wanted to send that basically determined the app used – all that mattered was that she could get hold of her friends, in groups or as individuals across all of them. It’s insight like this that validate in my mind RMS’ decision to embrace instant messaging.
Available within Unified Comms, instant messaging brings the benefits of fast, open communication to staff who rarely, if ever, have access to a desktop computer, especially those in frontline service roles. Unlike WhatsApp, Snapchat and other free-to-use platforms our instant messaging functionality is under the full control of our customers and allows colleagues to interact in a secure, closed environment with direct links back to other Metro applications.
Using Instant Messaging in conjunction with our KPI and League Ladders toolset, RMS customers can communicate, influence and motivate team members both within and outside of the workplace in a medium that is as familiar as using any other social networking app. Work colleagues can exchange ideas, gain instant feedback, swap shifts, promote best practice, compete against each other, or simply get to know other people from across the business. To find out more get in touch today and let’s get chatting!
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