St Helens: The Challenges of Communicating Over Multiple Sites Now Solved

The management team at Go Active found communication in the past quite difficult as getting information to be shared between staff, over three sites, was challenging. This was made more difficult as one site would often get more information than the other, leading to conflict. They tended to rely on using the telephone, texting, and WhatsApp but none of these were really the right fit. Far too much time was spent managing this communication challenge especially when it came to covering shifts. Using text messages to try to get someone to cover a shift was problematic as each staff member would have to be sent a message individually and it wasn’t always easy remembering to message every appropriate member of staff. Even if the right number of messages were sent, these were often ignored which created an even bigger problem. 

Whilst a few staff were reluctant to use it as they were worried that they wouldn’t have enough storage on their phones and a handful didn’t have smartphones, the management team overcame these issues by buying staff tablets. The most useful aspect of the platform is how they can utilize Cover and Broadcasts, as well as booking staff training. The audit trail also allows there to the accountability that was missing in the past.

After a successful outreach approach which included a demonstration of the features and benefits, Go Active decided to introduce the OurPeople platform to their employees. They have been using OurPeople since 2021 and have found it hugely beneficial, especially as it allows them to communicate with everyone in the business. Everyone across the business uses it daily from managers to leisure assistants, and receptionists to gym instructors. The fact everyone can be contacted, no matter what site they’re at, or if they change phone numbers, has solved the communication challenges of the past. As OurPeople has been such a success they are now looking to develop the use of Smart Forms.