What if getting into your workplace was a hassle-free employee experience?
No more worrying about misplaced key cards or ID badges that remind you of that bad haircut you got when you took the ID photo. All you have to do is pull out your smartphone or smartwatch, tap it at the NFC reader, and you’re in.
Because we’ve all been there more times than we’d like to admit. You’re about to enter the office building so you grab at your key card or badge. It’s not in your jacket pocket or in your bag, so you then start searching other pockets only to end up performing this awkward Macarena dance at the door.
All that’s left is to go to the reception desk and ask for a temporary badge or day pass.
But that’s less likely to happen if your employee badge were stored safely on your phone. Your dear and trusted smartphone that’s been by your side in some of the most exciting and most boring moments of your life. The very device you’re most likely reading this on right now.
Considering that 6 in 10 employees prefer hybrid work arrangements in 2024, it’s only fitting that the same flexibility extends to how we access the spaces where we work. Yet, convenience is just one of the many benefits of mobile access in the workplace.
From eliminating plastic key cards and physical badges to providing a quick and secure way to enter your office, here are seven key advantages of mobile access control for employees:
1. Your employee experience is prioritized
Whether you’re in the office every day or just a few times a week, having a smooth and easy mobile access system makes a real difference in how comfortable you feel at work. It’s also a clear sign that your company embraces workplace innovation not because it’s trendy, but because they genuinely care about your needs. After all, they could have spent their time and resources organising leadership offsites or pizza parties instead.
Just ask our project manager:
2. Your first day at work is that much smoother
This is for everyone who’s starting their first day of work soon or would love to re-do their first day of work to experience mobile access! We all know that starting a new job can be overwhelming, but the last thing we need is for “access management” to add to our stresses.
If your organization is using mobile access technology, then chances are that your first couple of hours will be smooth sailing. Your mobile pass will be issued through online self-service in under two minutes! You’ll be able to access your workplace on your first day with no waiting in line, no paperwork, and no extra trips to a security desk.
Compare that to old school processes where you had to commute to the office just to take a photo, get a temporary badge with limited access, and then wait days to collect a personalized badge.
No thanks. And not necessary anymore with mobile access. Employee experience starts on day one!
3. You’ll never forget your badge again.
Have you ever had one of those days when you left your company badge at home and didn’t realize it until you got to the office? We all have, and maybe more than once! But how many times have you left your mobile phone at home when you left for work?
The Employee Badge in Apple Wallet takes that problem off your plate and lets you access workspaces or lockers with your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Say goodbye to waiting to be issued a day pass, borrowing a badge from one of your colleagues, or using a spare temporary badge with the company’s flashy ‘shame’ mascot attached to it.
This is something that has really happened! Granted, this was 8 years ago:
But, even as recently as a year ago, the shaming still happens…
How does your organization handle temporary badges?
Is there shaming involved (we hope not)?
4. You gain lightning-fast, touchless access into the office.
Depending on what the weather looks like where you’re at right now, imagine you’re rushing into the office on a cold morning. You’ve got your coffee and smartphone in one hand and your bag in the other. The great news? Your mobile pass works seamlessly without having to wake or unlock your phone or smartwatch.
With Express Mode for iPhones, you just tap it to the reader and you’re good to go. No extra steps, no interruptions. Just a smooth employee experience.
And here’s the real game-changer—what if your phone battery dies? It happens (way too often). No problem. But it’s not a problem. If you’re using your iPhone, you don’t even have to worry if your phone battery dies! The Power Reserve feature lets you use your mobile pass to access your workplace for up to 5 hours. Security and convenience wrapped into one. That’s a stellar employee experience.
5. Your work environment becomes safer.
Physical badges and key cards can be a real headache to keep track of. It’s no wonder they’re a common security risk in the workplace. If your card fell into the wrong hands, someone would be able use it to get into your office with bad intentions.
Mobile passes, on the other hand, are protected by the privacy and security features of your smartphone.
With Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in place, even if someone steals your phone, they still won’t be able to access your office building with your credentials. And if you lose your phone, you can simply disable the badge in Apple Wallet.
And don’t forget that your mobile passes are protected by the privacy anfd security features of your smartphone!
6. You’re helping protect the planet.
If recent extreme weather events have left you feeling anxious about climate change, you’re not alone. According to a 2024 survey from Deloitte, 54% of Gen Zs and 48% of millennials are urging their employers to take action in reducing their carbon footprint, a trend that’s been growing since 2022.
While switching from plastic cards/badges to mobile passes might seem small, it’s still an effective way to reduce our environmental impact and promote sustainability in the workplace.
7. You get more time to focus on priorities.
The last thing you want to be doing at work is getting stuck filling out forms for a temporary badge or requesting a replacement for the one you lost. These are things we should consider “low-value tasks.”
So, think of your mobile badge as a VIP pass. It lets you skip the hassle of soul-crushing corporate procedures and delays. So you can focus on your work and make time for the work that you consider a priority!
Want to know more about mobile access control and the opportunities and considerations?
