Amid today’s cost of living crisis, more deskless workers – in industries such as healthcare, public safety, manufacturing, and retail – are rightfully demanding pay increases to combat inflation, as well as more flexible working options. There are an estimated 2.7 billion such deskless workers worldwide – many of whom are part of trade unions, making up over 80% of the global workforce.
However, these industries are facing a talent crisis that has seen UK vacancy rates hit record highs, with more employees seeking roles with higher pay and improved employee experiences. For employers, the balance of power has shifted. Workers are confident that they can get another job if their demands are unmet.
Steve Tonks, SVP of EMEA at WorkForce Software, shares with HR Director some of the challenges facing employers today and how improving the employee experience, especially for these deskless workers is key.
Tonks says companies should utilise all tools at their disposal, starting with a strong technology platform that is rooted in a consumer-grade experience, to close the employee experience gap between those on the frontline and those in the office.
“Beyond scheduling and workforce management capabilities, it is vital that both managers and employees feel connected to and engaged with organisational goals and their role in supporting them,” he says. “Enabling employees to provide feedback and allowing managers to act on those ideas shows deskless workers they are supported and heard.”