Information access

What is information access?

Information access is the ability to access data that is publicly or internally available. Employees, consumers, and clients have the right to access information that they think would benefit them and strengthen their skills, which in turn, can expand their professional network.

3 types of workplace information databases

There are three types of information databases that companies use to circulate written reports, news, and other data that are pertinent to the business and the industry.

These online databases are publicly available and can be seen and read by anyone. They often don’t need to log on with a password to access these.

Online knowledge bases

Websites often have a web page that consists of a library of links that includes data about the company’s products and services. These online knowledge bases are updated and maintained regularly, especially when a major product update happens. 

Frequently asked questions

Sometimes found at the very bottom of a product page, frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide basic details that most people would want to know before initiating a purchase. These questions are often short and informative, easy to understand for the readers.

Glossaries

A glossary is a web page with links to web pages that explains hard-to-understand jargon.

Some words, especially those that are exclusive to a practice or industry, are harder to understand than others. 

Having a dictionary of lesser-known words and phrases could potentially help readers from the general public to understand it better. 

Readers are much more likely to finish an article if it is written in an easily digestible manner. Research has shown that an average online reader only has 15 seconds of attention span.

White papers

Commonly issued by companies, white papers (also whitepapers) are documents that provide general details about the business and its nature. It is also used to promote products and services that the company offers, often highlighting its benefits to its clients.

How does information access help businesses?

Information access helps businesses stay on the right track when it comes to being transparent and honest with their customers and clients. In today’s day and age, being knowledgeable about a company is important to customers.

Studies have shown that Gen Zs are eager to know the company before initiating a purchase. With the freedom to know more about a company, younger customers are more likely to become loyal.

Why accessible information is important in the workplace

Transparency in the workplace starts with the employees being able to ask questions and learn freely. Access to information about the company, its nature, and its products and services is a right that every worker should have.

Furthermore, the ability of employees to learn about the company they are working for can lead to better worker retention rates, a healthier workplace, and a higher job satisfaction rate.