Federal government agencies are having difficulties establishing effective mobile strategies. From ensuring reliable connectivity to defining effective and viable security policies, even the most forward thinking agencies are facing stumbling blocks as they attempt to mobilize their workforce. Despite these obstacles, there’s a near constant demand for agencies to embrace mobility to enhance productivity. 70 percent of federal workers say that mobile access has changed their work style and, that when it works, mobile access increases their efficiency, availability, and engagement at work, according to a recent MeriTalk mobility report. However, their attempts to connect “on the go” are hampered by slow connectivity, cumbersome security procedures, and limited access. In short, the potential of mobility is hindered by an outdated infrastructure and antiquated access policies.

What can be done to enable Feds to step away from their desks and work on the go? The answer lies in seamless connectivity. Without obstacles to connectivity, the MeriTalk survey estimated that, on average, worker productivity would increase on average by 364 hours per year, which equates to approximately $14,000 in productivity gains per seamlessly connected agency employee per year.  Yet two main issues must be addressed: understanding network needs for maximum connectivity and determining employee needs to best leverage the mobile network. In order to achieve the former, the network needs to be robust, resilient, open to both work devices and personal devices, and connected to data that is essential for productive work. In terms of employee needs, the report emphasizes that agency leadership needs to be responsive to many types of employees and understand how to leverage different working styles to maximize productivity in a mobility-enhanced workplace. Of course the very issue that underpins both of these issues is the ability to invest in mobility. While agency budgets are indeed tight, investments in mobility demonstrate immediate and quantifiable return on investment, making them an easier sell when it comes time to divvy up the dollars.

To infographic below captures the key issues at stake in the drive to mobility for federal agencies, or you can access the full MeriTalk report here.