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Akenerji, a key player in the Turkish power sector, has over 30 years of experience in power generation and wholesale energy trade. With approximately 300 employees across nine power plants in various Turkish cities and a head office in Istanbul, most plant employees are blue-collar workers (approx. 180) with minimal computer & email use.
In 2021, we identified a significant communication gap between headquarters and field locations, contributing to low employee engagement. This was reflected in the results of our Great Place to Work (GPTW) survey. Recognizing the growing importance of communication for employees, we realized the need for a more structured and transparent approach to improve credibility and camaraderie, which will ultimately boost engagement.
To address this, we developed a mobile app-based Internal Communication Platform. We firstly conducted a pilot implementation in Q3 2021. This platform serves as the central hub for company-wide information and fosters a sense of community by allowing employees to share content, engage in discussions, and celebrate achievements. By creating a dynamic and interactive digital workspace, the platform has become a vital tool for improving communication and engagement. Employees are encouraged to participate in events, surveys, and celebrations, which helps us gather feedback and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
The platform also offers access to educational resources such as NeoSkola and Storytel, and even provides daily conveniences like food menus by location, enhancing its relevance to employees' day-to-day lives. All Akenerji employees are active users of the platform, with 286 out of 290 employees regularly engaging with it. New employees are introduced to the platform on their first day, and important announcements, such as new hires or special celebrations, are prominently displayed on the sharing wall.
Employee interaction on the platform has grown significantly. After its launch, in 2023 generating 3783 likes/ comments and continuous rise in interaction rates.(the additional document is attached) This rise in engagement indicates that the platform is becoming an essential part of internal communication, helping employees feel more connected and involved.
The internal communication platform also bridges the gap between corporate headquarters and plant operations, ensuring that plant employees feel part of the broader organization. Senior leaders can now provide real-time updates to plant teams, reinforcing trust and communication across all levels. Regular informational mailings through the app keep employees informed about company developments and practices, ensuring a consistent flow of information and fostering a culture of transparency and inclusivity.
The mobile app offers three key benefits to Akenerji:
- Cost Savings: Previously, management & HR had to visit sites frequently to maintain communication with plant employees, which was both time-consuming and costly. Now, leaders can post updates, comments, or congratulatory messages at any time, significantly reducing the need for travel. Additionally, new systems or processes can be easily integrated into the app, eliminating the need for external platforms.
- User-Friendly Design: Most blue-collar employees rarely use email but are frequent mobile phone users. The app, with its ease of use and push notifications, allows them to stay informed and participate in processes they previously couldn't due to time constraints. (i.e. online training, idea suggestion systems) Interestingly, blue-collar workers use the app more than head office employees.
- Simultaneous Reach: In the past, communication challenges arose because employees were spread across different cities with no unified communication channel. The app now allows us to reach everyone at the same time and receive their responses quickly, resolving previous miscommunication issues.
As a result, our latest GPTW survey showed that the internal communication platform played a significant role in boosting employee engagement across the company since mid 2022 until today. By fostering connection, enhancing transparency, and streamlining communication, the platform has become a cornerstone of Akenerji's internal communication strategy which is a remarkable achievement for Akenerji.
Nomination Title: Akenerji Internal Communication App
