Desktop PowerApp Case Study
MTN Women @ Work
Purpose of the project
MTN, as a leading telecommunications company, has set a bold vision for inclusion and gender equality within its workforce, aiming to achieve 50% female representation by 2030. In alignment with this goal, MTN initiated the “Women @ Work” program, which seeks to empower women employees by fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. The initiative is designed not only to help women connect with one another but also to inspire personal and professional growth through the sharing of stories, access to mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement. A digital platform was needed to support these efforts, one that would serve as a central hub for connection, learning, and engagement.
Project Goals
- Microsoft Integration: The platform needed to seamlessly integrate with the existing Microsoft ecosystem within MTN to ensure familiarity and ease of use for employees.
- Creating a Dedicated Space: The platform should provide a safe and inclusive environment where women can connect, communicate, and collaborate across the organisation.
- Notification System: Users should be able to receive timely notifications about upcoming events, new mentorship opportunities, articles, and other relevant content.
- Performance Reporting: The platform had to offer robust reporting features that would allow administrators to track and analyse the usage and performance of the platform.
- Exclusive Access: Access to the platform had to be restricted to women within the organisation, ensuring that the space remains focused on its intended audience.
- Content Sharing: The platform needed to facilitate the sharing of articles, resources, and other content that would support the professional development of users.
- Job Postings: A key feature was the ability to post exclusive job vacancies targeted specifically at women, providing them with opportunities to advance their careers within MTN.
The Solution
Providence designed and developed a custom-built platform using PowerApps, tailored to meet the unique needs of the “Women @ Work” initiative. By leveraging PowerApps, we were able to create a flexible and scalable solution that integrates effortlessly with MTN’s existing Microsoft ecosystem, particularly Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
The platform was embedded as an organizational app within Microsoft Teams, making it easily accessible to all eligible employees. This approach not only ensured a smooth user experience but also aligned with MTN’s goal of using familiar tools within their workplace. On the backend, the platform utilised SharePoint, which enabled us to organise and manage key content such as articles, exclusive vacancies, and mentor profiles. Lists created in SharePoint were displayed on the front end, allowing users to easily search for and engage with mentors or explore job opportunities.
In addition, Yammer (now Viva Engage) was integrated into the platform to foster social engagement. Women could join various groups within Yammer, where they could share experiences, post content, and connect with colleagues across different departments and regions. This social integration played a critical role in encouraging communication and collaboration within the platform.
To address the reporting needs, custom dashboards were created, allowing administrators to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user engagement, content interaction, and overall platform activity. This reporting functionality was crucial in measuring the impact of the initiative and identifying areas for future enhancement.
Security and exclusivity were also central to the solution. Access controls were implemented to ensure that only female employees could register and use the platform, reinforcing MTN’s commitment to providing a dedicated space for women’s empowerment.
By combining the capabilities of PowerApps, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Yammer, Providence was able to deliver a comprehensive, integrated platform that supports MTN’s ambitious gender equality goals. The platform not only enables women at MTN to connect and grow professionally but also aligns with the company’s broader vision of inclusion and empowerment.
