Deskless workers make up about 80% of the overall global workforce. They are integral to the success of various industries, including construction, distribution, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and transportation. Unfortunately, this workforce is often not adequately empowered by their employers, who tend to focus more on their deskbound employees. A recent industry survey reveals nearly 37% of these workers will not be in the industry in the next six months, further exacerbating the acute talent shortage. These workers cite lack of career development, poor pay, feelings of disconnect, and lack of enjoyment in their current position as the main reasons why they may leave their job.
This article focuses on the main pain points for deskless workers and how recognition tools can keep this workforce feeling empowered, engaged, and productive. Many deskless workers were considered heroes during the pandemic, yet are no longer experiencing the same accolades they once were given. Here’s why an employee recognition program should be included in your return to work plan.
Who Are Deskless Workers?
Deskless workers are employees with no designated working space. It comprises professionals who are on the move and may work at multiple locations in a single day. Typically these workers are not anchored to a desk in a traditional office setting, remote office, or co-working environment. Examples of deskless workers are:
- Field service technicians
- Independent contractors
- Nurse
- Home healthcare providers
- Field sales representatives
- Delivery workers
- Traveling consultants
How Do They Differ From Remote Workers?
Remote workers and deskless workers are two very different types of employees. Deskless workers must be physically present at their specific jobsite or station to perform their job. There is no option to work remote, from home, or anywhere else for that matter. Although remote workers work outside an office setting, they have a workspace and are usually not on the move. They also use computers to do their job and communicate with co-workers. As mentioned earlier, deskless workers work in the field and don’t require a workspace to perform their duties. Most also don’t use computers or have company email.
Challenges Unique to Deskless Workers
For any organization to keep deskless workers motivated, they must realize the challenges unique to the nature of their work. The following are seven challenges organizations face with deskless workers:
High Turnover Rates
A recent study also reveals that 61% of deskless workers are considering quitting their job because they are unhappy with their work environment. Typically, organizations with a higher number of blue-collar workers often struggle to attract and retain deskless workers. These workforces are typically less loyal and prefer to change jobs more often than office employees. Besides, most deskless employees view themselves as temporary workers and don’t envision a lasting career with their current employer.
Difficult to Reach
Many employers reveal that deskless workers are hard to reach despite forming the biggest part of frontline workers. A recent survey shows over 83% of deskless workers don’t have a corporate email, while another 45% can’t access the company internet while at work. Besides, deskless workers don’t have access to crucial communication tools such as email, slack, Microsoft teams, and intranets that other workers use, making it extremely challenging for employers and managers to reach them.
Lack a sense of community
Deskless workers often work solo, making them lack a sense of belongingness. A recent study reveals that 54% of deskless workers believe their employers view them as disposable or temporary workers. Additionally, these workers may feel left out due to poor workplace communication. When they miss essential company information they feel less aligned with its strategy. Ultimately, the lack of adequate communication and belongingness creates a disconnect with the company culture and values.
Can’t Access the Right Information
Deskless workers often encounter challenges when searching for relevant information due to their limited access to technology and communication channels. While other employees spend 1.8 hours each day searching and gathering information, deskless workers spend several more hours trying to locate the same information.
They Are Unengaged
Research by Ragan reveals only 56% of deskless workers in the US feel engaged and connected with their employers. Office workers leverage communication and engagement tools more than most frontline workers, including deskless workers. As a result, many deskless employers feel disengaged and disconnected since they are out of the loop from the rest of the organization. Lack of engagement impacts employee performance and productivity.
They Don’t Feel Empowered or Valued
Another recent study on deskless workers reveals that 40% of the workforce don’t feel loved or valued by their employers. The fact that deskless workers are not well-connected means they miss important company empowerment initiatives. They may also feel voiceless since they believe their ideas are never heard or valued.
3 Tools Deskless Workers Need More
Nearly 60% of deskless workers are dissatisfied with the technology they are provided to do their work. A study found that most employers provide their deskless employees with poor-quality deskbound technology despite the fact that these workforces are rarely found behind a desk. The following are some of the specific tools that deskless workers need:
- Communication Tools: Excellent communications tools help keep your deskless workers connected and engaged since they access real-time company information. Some of the best tools that benefit this group of workers include mail, email, telephones, cell phones, smartphones, computers, video, and web conferencing.
- Collaboration Tools: Collaboration tools help create a common culture, generate social cohesion, and build shared trust. Some great collaboration tools that benefit your deskless workers include Google Suite, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, Trello, and more.
- Learning and Development Tools: With studies revealing many deskless workers desire career development, companies certainly need to train their frontline workforce regularly. The best way to train your deskless workforce is by utilizing remote training software such as ProProfs, iSpring, and ezTalks.
- Recognition Tools: Tools for showing employee appreciation and recognition are often overlooked, especially for deskless workers. This is a missed opportunity to improve employee retention and the employer brand. Let’s dive into the importance of recognition tools below.
How Do Recognition Tools Impact Deskless Workers?
One of the effective ways to ensure deskless workers stay engaged and connected is by providing them with the right tools and technology that best aligns with their needs, teammates, and departments. Many companies now realize the need to invest in technologies that support deskless workforce operations and enhance employee experience. If you have a workforce mainly composed of frontline workers and are looking for ways to keep them engaged and connected to their colleagues and company culture, consider investing in recognition tools.
What Are Recognition Tools?
An employee recognition tool is a technology that helps organizations automate, run, and manage various recognition-based activities to create a positive environment where people value others’ qualities, strengths, and efforts. Effective employee recognition tools allow supervisors and peers to recognize each other with praise using real-world rewards. A recognition tool such as Refresh makes employee recognition a daily norm that effectively drives the company culture.
Ways Recognition Platforms Positively Impact Deskless Workers
The following are some of the ways a platform like Refresh could positively impact deskless workers:
Access to the Same Recognition Experience
As the workplace becomes more flexible, the popularity of remote working increases. Organizations are faced with challenges ensuring recognition takes place for everyone within the organization, including deskless employees. Employee recognition software makes it a lot easier for HR to manage this process by ensuring frontline workers out in the field get the same recognition experience as a colleague with a desk at the head office.
Increase Productivity
Demotivation and disengagement can result in deskless employees distancing themselves from work. A recognition platform like Refresh makes it easier for supervisors and peers to praise and appreciate the contribution of this workforce, thereby increasing their motivation and focus on achieving their goals. A report from Deloitte reveals recognition through digital tools improves employee engagement and job performance. Organizations that recognize their workforce realize 14% higher employee engagement, productivity, and performance than those that don’t.
Better Employee Retention
As mentioned earlier, a big portion of the deskless workforce is considering leaving their jobs due to demotivation. If your frontlines are constantly downing their tools, the cost of hiring can affect your company’s bottom line. Recognizing the contribution of your deskless workers can be an effective measure to enhance their morale. Employee recognition tools make it easier for HR to implement a well-planned employee rewards program that addresses retention challenges.
Drives Employee Engagement
A recent study shows that 58% of employees feel leaders can drive more engagement with employee recognition. When you use a recognition tool to appreciate your deskless workers, their spirit is uplifted. It makes the workforce feel valued since their work is noticed. This ultimately improves their engagement while fostering trust. Frontline workers who trust their managers and peers are more engaged in the workforce.
Fosters Good Workplace Culture
When you appreciate your deskless workforce with the help of recognition platforms such as Refresh, it goes a long way in fostering a workplace they want to be part of. As their work gets appraised, they feel proud to work for their company, enhancing feelings of belongingness and a sense of community.
Instant Recognition
For recognition to be effective, it should be done on time. Employee recognition software makes it easier for managers to recognize their employees instantly. When deskless workers fail to receive recognition on time, they lose enthusiasm and encouragement towards their goals. In the absence of the software, your employees are forced to wait for the annual or half-yearly reviews for recognition. A recognition tool reduces this timeline while enhancing the impact that your appreciation has on employees.
Deskless Workers Can Benefit From Recognition Tools
Acknowledging deskless employee achievement can majorly boost their morale and performance. When you provide timely rewards for your workforce contributions, they feel ownership and are motivated to work harder on their next project. Recognition also connects your deskless workforce to the organization while elevating performance and company values. This is why any organization that needs to increase its workforce productivity and retention should invest in employee recognition software.
Refresh is a best-in-class employee & engagement suite designed to bridge the recognition gap between peers or between supervisors and employees. The tool helps make the entire recognition process feel personal and purpose-driven. It also helps improve the frequency of rewards by making it easy for managers to let their team know they matter. Contact us today to check out how Refresh can transform your employee recognition programs.