Change can create uncertainty, directly impacting morale and productivity. Using Wyzetalk’s platform, this mining business was able to connect with thousands of frontline employees across multiple sites simultaneously, while also communicating with miners individually or in specific groups.
The industry
Mining is one of the most physically demanding and high-risk industries for frontline workers, who often operate in hazardous underground environments for extended periods. These conditions, combined with long hours, geographic isolation, and limited access to communication channels, have the potential to lead to low morale, disengagement, and a lack of trust in leadership. In such a complex and high-pressure environment, internal communication is critical – not just for safety and compliance, but also for fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
The company
This major mining company is undergoing a change of ownership, with over 46,000 employees – 35,000 of whom are frontline workers – spread across 13 different sites.
The business challenge
Following the large procurement of another mining operation, which involved shifting employees from one large-scale business to another, the big challenge was to effectively connect with all employees.
The nature of mining work – an inherently isolated environment with significant risks – can contribute to feelings of anxiety and disconnection. To engage with its newly acquired workforce and foster a stronger sense of connection to the organisation, the business adopted a forward-thinking approach. Hearing directly from employees was critical to understanding their day-to-day reality and building trust across a dispersed workforce.
The Wyzetalk solution
Our deep understanding of mining-related challenges allowed us to craft a personalised solution to ensure critical corporate messages reached the entire workforce, including non-desk workers. The first step was enabling USSD functionality, ensuring accessibility for workers without smartphones. Next, a mobile site was rolled out, which then made way for an app.
The results
The platform solution helped ensure a smooth transition for all employees after the buy-out of another mining operation. Employees now feel more informed, heard, and connected to the organisation.
By giving frontline employees a voice and access to centralised information, updates and alerts can be circulated and dealt with as they happen, preventing disputes that could lead to strike action and lost revenue for the business.
The ability to reach frontline workers all at once, or those at a specific site, has enabled the mining company to communicate more effectively with employees, improving operational efficiency.
Communication between office staff, frontline workers, and management has improved exponentially. Over 2.4 million interactions in the app’s mental health section were recorded, demonstrating strong employee engagement and trust in the platform’s ability to store personal information securely.
The business managed the changeover without incident, largely because it could communicate with its entire workforce through a single, trusted voice. The branded solution also enabled employees to give feedback, providing invaluable insights that allowed the business to act quickly when needed.
Why Wyzetalk
There are four key reasons I’d recommend Wyzetalk’s employee experience platform.
First, the tool enables unbelievable agility. Secondly, the data-free opportunities make it accessible to all our employees. Then the ability to have two-way communication with our employee base, and last reason is around
partnership.
The way that Wyzetalk has partnered with us on this journey so far has been outstanding.
In terms of the platform and its implementation, we’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback from our shopfloor employees. They feel empowered and connected to the business. They find the platform very convenient and easy to use.
Lee-Ann Samual
Goup Executive: People