Research from digital HR company Applaud found just 28% of companies had HR services that were mobile accessible, while 56% said that the mobile switch was part of their road map for the next 12 months.
Businesses are conscious of the need for mobile compatibility, as last year only 34% of businesses had mobile accessibility on their road map.
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Rachel King, general manager of HR software company Breathe, said that companies were being forced to keep up with the digital demands employees use in their everyday lives.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “People have high expectations when it comes to digital services thanks to the user experiences they come across in their personal lives, which means businesses are under pressure to match that.
"Especially across a hybrid workforce, the need to access browser-based applications that mirror desktop accessibility from an employee’s mobile phone, rather than businesses having to develop a separate app, is essential.”
King added that a switch to mobile services would be a positive move, as it would represent an investment in a company's employees.
She said: The shift to mobile-friendly services is a wise move – making it easier for employees and HR managers to work on the go is another way to demonstrate a commitment to helping the people who help others - that’s HR.
Nick Matthews, general manager and vice president EMEA at employee experience platform CultureAmp, added that the importance of mobile accessible software went beyond simply making online services smaller.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: "Mobile first isn't about making your online services smaller to fit on a handheld device - but more about being selective around the types of interactions your employees will find useful and even enjoyable - and delivering that in the moment they require it or have the time to do so.
“We as consumers now expect to be able to use 100% of our online tools and services via mobile and that expectation has now crossed the chasm into our professional lives. The pressure on HR and IT to evolve will be constant, with employees making the same value judgement on their internal tools as they do on their own personal paid for services."
