A successful rollout of your new employee app is crucial for its long-term success and acceptance within the company. This guide walks you through the four essential steps and shows how a well-planned communication strategy, a thoughtful editorial plan, targeted power user training, and an effective rollout campaign can achieve high user acceptance.

Step 1: Planning the Communication Strategy

To effectively inform employees about your new employee app, choosing the right communication channels is essential. Here are some tips:

• Select channels: Use a mix of posters, flyers, table displays, intranet announcements, corporate newsletters, and a company-wide event.
• Craft the message: Create clear, concise, and engaging messages that highlight the app's benefits and spark curiosity among employees.
• Consider timing: Plan a series of messages to be sent before, during, and after the rollout to generate interest and provide ongoing information.

Example of a teaser poster

Step 2: Editorial Plan

A well-structured editorial plan is necessary to fill the app with exciting and relevant content from the start.

• Plan content: Define the content you want to share through the app, such as company news, important updates, event announcements, health offers, and training materials. It may help to think about what content is currently shared via various channels (e.g., bulletin boards) and integrate it into the app.
• Assign responsibilities: Determine who is responsible for creating and publishing content. This could be communication departments, HR teams, or individual departments.
• Ensure regularity: Make sure that new content is regularly posted to motivate employees to use the app consistently.
• Further information can be found in the article Content Koordinierung

Step 3: Power User Training

Power users, also called multipliers, are crucial for spreading the app within the company and ensuring its acceptance.

• Identify multipliers: Look for employees who are tech-savvy and serve as role models within their teams. This includes leaders, works council members, location managers, and shift supervisors.
• Offer training: Organize special training sessions for these multipliers before the official rollout to familiarize them thoroughly with the app.
• Ensure involvement: Make sure that the power users are actively involved and can continuously provide feedback to identify areas for improvement.

Step 4: Rollout Campaign

The rollout campaign is the peak of your efforts and should be carefully planned and monitored.

• Plan an event: Organize an exciting and interactive event to introduce the app. This can take the form of live demonstrations, company celebrations, and interactive workshops.
• Conduct monitoring: Continuously monitor app usage after the rollout using the analytics dashboard (Analytics Dashboard: Metric Definitions & FAQ) to detect and resolve issues early.
• Intervene strategically: Be ready to make adjustments if necessary and continue to support employees.

Additional Points for a Successful Rollout

• First impression: Use the rollout event to make a positive first impression. A well-organized event signals that the app is valuable.
• Acceptance and enthusiasm: Generate excitement and interest through the campaign. Employees are more likely to use the app if they feel it's something special.
• Information and training: During the rollout campaign, offer comprehensive information and training, such as live demonstrations and Q&A sessions.
• Feedback and adjustments: Use the campaign to gather continuous feedback and make adjustments if necessary.
• Motivation and support from leaders: Involving leaders can increase the app's acceptance.

With this guide and the outlined steps, you are well-prepared to successfully launch your employee app and establish it long-term within the company.