Deskless workers, whether on the sales or factory floor, in the field, or on the road, are the heart of many businesses. Without them, operations would come to a stop.
However, often due to their physical distance from upper management, deskless workers are sometimes the least engaged part of an organisation and are directly impacted by an organisation’s biggest weaknesses – such as rigid policies, inconsistent communication, and outdated technology.
Deskless workers are also becoming increasingly younger, with Millennials and Generation Z now comprising a large part of the workforce and now have different technological, personal, and professional needs than the generations that came before them.
According to Gallup, improving engagement with employees can result in a 41% reduction in absenteeism, a 24% decrease in turnover, and a 17% increase in productivity and is a strong focus for organisation’s moving forward. A Gartner, Inc. survey conducted in May 2020 found that 64% of HR leaders are prioritising employee experience more than they did before the pandemic.
To thrive in the global economy, employers must improve the employee experience, providing functional technology that allows deskless workers to stay connected and engaged on the job.
As with any change, taking the first step is often the hardest part. But improvements to the employee experience will ultimately increase productivity, strengthen workplace bonds, and lead to untapped long-term benefits.
WorkForce Software’s SVP EMEA Steve Tonks explores three ways employers can begin to adapt their strategies and improve the employee experience for deskless workers.