SMS Messaging Tips For Human Resources

The HR department plays a central role in communicating important information to employees.

From policy changes to training and compliance requirements and scheduling meetings to review benefits packages, HR professionals support employees in many different ways. 

Of course, the challenge is doing so quickly and effectively, while minimizing miscommunication and ensuring that employees feel supported. That can be a tall order, but SMS messaging can help.

In this guide, we’ll explore important tips to help you maximize the value and utility of SMS messaging within your HR department.

The Role of SMS Messaging in Human Resources

Most people think of SMS messaging as a personal communication method or a marketing tool. However, it can also be a highly effective business management tool.

Not sure how texting might fit into your organization’s HR team communications? Here’s a look at a handful of areas where HR departments often face challenges.

• Critical information must be delivered to the employee base – In this situation, mass testing can reach every employee at the same time.

• Recruiting can be time-consuming and difficult – Here, SMS messaging can be used to schedule interviews, send reminders, invite people to follow-up interviews, and send updates.

• Collecting feedback from employees is challenging – SMS messaging allows you to reach out to employees quickly and easily to get feedback, deliver digital surveys, and more.

• Sending deadline and task reminders is time-consuming – With SMS messaging, HR professionals can send reminders in seconds.

• It’s hard to show support and maintain a positive work environment – SMS messaging allows you to send shoutouts, event invitations, birthday messages, and so much more.

These use cases are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There are plenty of others. However, you’ll need to ensure that you’re using SMS messaging effectively.

To help you make the most of this technology, we’ve assembled some important tips and best practices.

Tips and Best Practices for SMS Messaging for HR

While SMS messaging can be a flexible, powerful asset, it’s important to use it correctly, like any other tool. 

Consent Matters

First, understand that it’s illegal under the TCPA and data privacy regulations to send SMS messages to anyone who hasn’t expressly given you consent. Make sure you have consent before going any further.

Pay Attention to Tone

Use a friendly, conversational tone in SMS messages. Avoid being too formal. This will also help you reduce message length and improve engagement.

Know Your Audience

Like marketing, HR departments should take time to segment their audience. You can do this based on job roles, departments, or communication type/purpose. For instance, you might target only managerial staff with updates about leadership training.

Messaging Length

Don’t get long-winded. Keep your messages concise. Each one should also have a clear call to action. For instance, “Reminder: the company town hall is today at 3 PM. Please confirm your attendance”.

Combine SMS with Other Communication Channels

While SMS messaging can open up new possibilities, it works best when combined with other communication channels. For instance, send a reminder text about an email message containing important policy documents. 

SMS Messaging in Recruitment

We mentioned hiring previously, but it bears a closer look. You can (and should) use SMS messaging throughout your recruitment and onboarding process.

It’s a great way to send interview confirmations and reminders, as well as to deliver follow-up messages and keep potential job candidates engaged.

For onboarding, you can send welcome messages, first-day reminders, and instructions on what to do or where to go on arrival for their first day.

Boost Employee Engagement

Creating an engaged workforce is critical for productivity, employee retention, and so much more. SMS messaging helps you achieve higher engagement levels in a few ways.

For instance, you can send reminders about training, link to surveys to get employee feedback or announce company events like cookouts and award ceremonies.

Benefits and Policy Updates

HR professionals spend a lot of time and energy dealing with benefits and policy updates. Often, just getting employees into the office to discuss benefits packages or to sign off on policy updates can feel impossible.

SMS messaging makes it much easier to remind employees about enrollment deadlines and new policy changes, saving time, improving employee monitoring, hassle, and energy, while also improving compliance.

Time-Sensitive Notifications

Finally, you can use SMS messaging to get time-sensitive notifications out in a hurry. You can instantly send notifications about last-minute changes to schedules or events, as well as emergency updates, like building closures or issues with IT.

A Better Way to Communicate

SMS messaging offers some pretty impressive benefits for HR departments. From streamlining communications to boosting employee engagement and improving the recruiting and onboarding process, it’s a powerful tool to have on your side.

Explore how DialMyCalls and their texting platform can fit into your existing communication strategy while maintaining compliance and fostering engagement.