Can you imagine working without email? You’re not the only one who can’t: for decades, email has been an integral part of corporate communication. Even though several other online communication services have emerged since the first email was sent in the 70s, many studies have shown that email still is the most used communication channel. So why should it be replaced or complemented with instant messaging?
Text Messages Are More Likely to Be Read
It’s not unusual to have countless unread emails waiting in the inbox, whereas new messages on the smartphone rarely stay unread for a long time. According to a study by Gartner, the opening rate is 98% for text messages and 20% for emails. In regard to the response rate, the stats are similar: while 45% of all text messages get a response, only 6% of all emails are answered. Due to the daily flood of emails, it’s easy to overlook important information. Long story short: with text messages, you reach recipients faster, and information is more likely to be read than when sent via email.
Not Secure Enough to Exchange Sensitive Information
By default, the email exchange between sender and recipient is not end-to-end encrypted. This means that emails can potentially be intercepted, read, and even manipulated – a considerable risk for companies, especially when sensitive business data is transmitted. The business messenger Threema Work end-to-end encrypts not only text messages but also calls and files to make sure confidential information doesn’t end up in the hands of third parties.
Another risk for companies are cyberattacks via email: According to a Verizon study, email is used in around 96% of all phishing attacks. With malicious links and fake websites, attackers try to obtain logins and other sensitive data. Threema Work considerably reduces or completely eliminates this risk: Administrators can define in advance that employees are only allowed to be contacted by company members or selected external parties. The verification level additionally indicates whether the chat partner is an internal or external contact, which provides effective protection against phishing.
Instant Messengers Are Established in the Private Sphere
Almost everyone has at least one instant-messaging app on their smartphone to communicate with friends and family members. Exchanging information via chat is effortless and convenient, and so many people are also using their private chat app for business purposes in addition to email. However, regular messaging services don’t comply with current data-protection regulations such as the GDPR, which could lead to financial consequences for a company. The solution is a dedicated instant messenger for work-related matters: users are already familiar with the tool, and requirements for secure corporate communication are met.
Easily Accessible Communication
Sending a message via email is an easy task on the computer. On the smartphone, however, email clients are not as easy to handle, and HTML emails and long threads can quickly result in unwieldy conversations. While attachments in emails often exceed size limits, it’s no problem to send large files and documents via Threema Work. Thanks to the web-client / desktop app, they can also be opened on the computer. If writing down an idea or thought takes too much time, voice messages or a call are the ideal alternative. And since the app is installed on the smartphone, mobile workers can be reached just as easily as those with a permanent workstation.
Despite insufficient security and a lack of efficiency, email plays (and will continue to play) a significant and indispensable role in corporate communication. For secure exchange of business data, more flexibility, and faster communication, however, it’s worth introducing a dedicated business messenger like Threema Work. Find out for yourself how Threema Work enhances your corporate communication, and test the business messenger free of charge for 30 days.