Employers Using Technology for Worker Communications

August 7, 2008 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Many employers rely on technology to help them better communicate with their employees, according to a new Robert Half survey.

Six in 10 chief information officers (CIO) polled said they use online training, while 52% take advantage of video conferencing tools.

Four in 10 CIOs said they use software that creates collaborative workspaces, while others mentionedblogs, tagging and wikis.

“Technology tools can help companies collaborate more efficiently, preserve and share corporate knowledge and reduce expenses,” said Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology, in a press release.

Lee noted that despite the potential benefits, most businesses are taking a wait-and-see approach with emerging forms of communication. “As newer tools mature, their popularity may increase, but in-person communication likely will remain the most reliable way to keep employees connected, informed and motivated,” she said.

The survey is based on more than 1,400 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of U.S. companies with 100 or more employees.

Use nowPlan to use in the next five yearsDo not use/do not plan to use
Online training 47% 13% 38%
Video conferencing 34% 18% 46%
Collaborative workspaces 24% 19% 53%
Tagging Software 13% 16% 67%
Blogs 14% 11% 72%
Wikis 11% 10% 74%
Virtual Worlds 6% 7% 84%
Other 6% 8% 81%

Source: Robert Half Technology

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