TMCnet News
m-hance urges UK Businesses to embrace Enterprise Social Networks to increase efficiency(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Business software solutions provider, m-hance, is urging UK SMEs to embrace Enterprise Social Networks (ESNs) following recent research which reveals that almost three-quarters of employees believe a social platform would make them more productive at the workplace. A survey of 1,000 UK employees by Telligent highlights that 74% said using an ESN would enable them to improve their job performance, despite the same survey also revealing that 79% of businesses did not currently provide social tools for their employees. In contrast, a recent poll of 700 senior executives in the United States by International Data Corporation found that 67% of US companies have deployed ESN software in 2012 compared with just 43% in the same survey in 2011. Andrew Hayward, Managing Director of m-hance, says, "Enterprise Social Networking technologies are evolving rapidly with analysts such as IDC predicting that the ESN market will grow 43% annually to reach 2.8 billion by 2016. Despite this anticipated growth many UK businesses currently underestimate, or altogether miss, the true potential of ESN technology and the role it can play in boosting employee productivity and efficiency levels." ESNs, such as m-hance Social Business, provide an easy-to-use communication and collaboration environment that align people around activity streams which can be directly fed from integrated back-office systems such as accounting, CRM, SharePoint and other SQL-based applications. As businesses attempt to move from systems of record to systems of engagement, ESNs enable employees to better share valuable knowledge and interact with their colleagues situated anywhere in the world from one secure and unified system to drive more profitable communications. Efficiency gains that can be directly measured using an ESN include reduction in email traffic, improved sales performance and providing faster response times to customers. In addition, 'softer' benefits such as increased employee engagement and reduced on-boarding costs for new starters through improved learning and development can also be attributed to an ESN. Hayward comments, "Just as email has replaced the phone for so many business exchanges, ESNs are now poised to become the forefont of corporate communications to drive productivity. By promoting an open communication culture ESNs put an end to confusing closed email entanglements where misunderstandings often occur, potentially reducing time spent on email by up to 30%." Hayward adds, "Research has also shown that an ESN can increase employee engagement by on average 2% per user by keeping staff better informed and enabling remote workers to be part of the office 'community'. Happy employees remain at a business for longer, work harder and are more likely to go the extra mile which ultimately has a positive impact on organisations' bottom lines." Notes to Editors About m-hance www.m-hance.com m-hance is a UK-based company providing innovative and functionally rich business software solutions to 2400 mid-market sized organisations including Innocent Drinks, RFU, Viridor, Millennium Hotels, Make-A-Wish, Hewden and Endsleigh Insurance. m-hance's core solutions offering consists of financial management, CRM, enterprise social networking, SharePoint, HR & Payroll, managed services and software development in a variety of vertical markets including distribution, manufacturing, not-for-profit, professional services and infrastructure. m-hance has been formed following the acquisitions of Calyx Software, Gyrosoft, Trinity Computer Services and elements of MentecPlus, Touchstone Group and Maxima Holdings plc. m-hance is currently supported by 230 staff from offices in Manchester, London, Loughborough, Dublin, Glasgow and the United States. m-hance also has offshore development capabilities in India. In September 2012, m-hance was ranked in the Tech Track 100 league table as one of the fastest-growing private technology companies in Britain after achieving record sales growth of over 45%. Press Contact: Ben Carey, PR Manager T: 07713 196971 e: [email protected] Ben Carey PR Manager t: +44 (0)161 406 2300 m: +44 (0)7713 196971 e: [email protected] ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected])). (c) 2012 M2 COMMUNICATIONS |