What is the difference between a web app and a native app?
First of all, it’s important to define the difference between a web app and a native app. A web app is one that is accessed via your internet browser and adapts to whichever device it is being accessed from.
Unlike a web app, a native app is downloaded and installed via an app store. They operate on a specific device, whether it runs iOS, Android, or any other operating system, and, as such, can access relevant system resources.
Why you shouldn’t use a web app for internal communication
Although a web app does come with some advantages – they don’t need to be downloaded and respond to the device being used – these are usually outweighed by the negatives. If you want to engage with your employees effectively when issuing your internal communications, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t choose a web app – and we’ve listed a few below.
Reason 1: Quality of the app
The way web apps are built can result in a lesser-quality solution. Today, most apps are built using web technologies, but with a layer over the top that makes it look like a native app. This is the cheapest and quickest way to build an app. Web apps often rely on templates and lack access to the device-specific resources that native apps can draw from. The best quality apps, like WhatsApp or Oneteam, are fully native and take years to develop. This is reflected in the reliability and overall quality of the app.
Reason 2: Speed
Web apps usually can’t offer the speed that modern audiences demand. What’s more, the speeds that they can deliver are always dependent on a fast, reliable internet connection. A native app will always outperform a web app in terms of speed, which should be a key factor given the continuously decreasing attention span of the younger generations.
Reason 3: Design
The user experience of web apps is not even close to that offered by native apps. These apps are designed and built specifically for whichever operating system they are accessed from – usually iOS or Android. Although this means more work for the developer, this is reflected in the performance of the app. Native apps are bespoke – designed from the ground up for your device – web apps are more generalist.
Reason 4: Security
Anyone can create a web application but if you want to create a native app, you must comply with the strict guidelines of iOS and Android operating systems. Web apps don’t need to have their security credentials approved by the device manufacturer, which means they carry more risk than a native app. Most web apps are developed using WebViews, which means they are vulnerable to the most common attacks.
Reason 5: Features
Web apps are usually less advanced when it comes to the features they offer. Because these apps don’t have access to a device’s hardware features, their functionality is somewhat limited. Although web apps may tick some of the boxes in terms of features, this will usually be in a more basic form.
Why your organization needs a native employee app
If the number of drawbacks around web apps is making you a little despondent, then fear not. Native apps allow you to access several benefits – many of which can help you to supercharge your internal communication plan.
By accessing a device’s local storage, native apps offer faster speeds and better functionality when compared with web apps. For deskless workers, in particular, the speed and functionality of a native app are likely to be crucial. These workers often don’t have a laptop or PC to access comms from. They are frequently on the move, relying on their smartphones to access schedules, updates, or training modules.
For younger generations – so-called “digital natives” – the need for a native internal communications app is even greater. These individuals are often overrepresented in roles where deskless workers are commonplace. They demand the same level of functionality in their professional lives as they receive in their personal lives. This is only possible with a native app.
💡An example of Oneteam’s native employee app can be found below.
Your next step in making your employees more successful and engaged
In 2021, a staggering 230 billion apps were downloaded worldwide. Employees are happy to access a workplace app – if it delivers the performance they expect. For deskless workers, this performance must be fast, intuitive, secure, and leverage the latest features.
When it comes to internal communication, it’s easy for your deskless workers to switch off when they receive an email or have to log in to a website to access the latest update. With Oneteam’s native employee app, you can give your comms strategy a serious boost with an all-in-one solution that lets you connect, train and engage your deskless workers through an app that is tailored to your brand, your workers, and their needs.
Find out more about the new way to connect with your deskless workers, and watch our explainer video below.
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