Essential Tools for Deskless Employees Working Remotely

With the rise of technology and changing work environments, deskless employees are becoming more common in today’s workforce. These employees may not have a traditional office job where they spend eight hours sitting at a desk. Instead, they may be constantly on-the-go, working from various locations such as coffee shops, client sites, or even their own homes. While this type of flexibility allows for a better work-life balance and increased productivity, it also presents unique challenges for both employers and employees. One major challenge is ensuring that these remote workers have the necessary tools to effectively do their jobs without being tied down to a desk or office space. In this blog post, we will discuss some essential tools that can help deskless employees stay connected and productive while working remotely.

Also Read: Tips to Create a Positive Work Environment for Deskless Employees

Remote Working Tools for Deskless Employees

Communication & Collaboration

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful remote work. Recent statistics reveal that 80% of the workforce comprises deskless workers who often encounter communication challenges. To bridge this gap, deskless workers require access to appropriate technological tools that facilitate real-time communication and collaboration, regardless of their location. Collaborative tools have become indispensable for remote teams, enabling seamless interaction and cooperation.

a) Team Chat Apps: Instant messaging applications have revolutionized workplace communication, offering features like group chats, file sharing, and integration with productivity tools. These apps streamline decision-making processes, foster team unity, and promote a casual work atmosphere.

b) Video Conferencing Tools: Video conferencing tools have diminished the significance of in-person meetings by providing high-quality video calls with screen sharing and virtual background options. These platforms bridge geographical distances, facilitating engaging meetings that mimic face-to-face interactions.

c) Project Management Platforms: Project management platforms simplify project workflows, enabling deskless employees to track assignments, set deadlines, and monitor task progress. These tools ensure that remote team members remain aligned and informed about project statuses, despite geographical barriers.

d) Mobile Device Accessibility: In today’s digital era, access to smartphones or tablets is essential. Mobile-friendly applications offer flexibility and convenience, allowing employees to stay connected and productive while on the move or working remotely. This accessibility ensures that employees can collaborate effectively, regardless of their device preferences.

Also Read: Improve Your Deskless Employee’s Productivity with These Tips

Task Management & Productivity

Efficient task management is one of the most critical aspects of successful remote work. A survey in 2020 showed that 75% of deskless workers spend most of their working day using technology, yet 60% are unsatisfied with the tech they’re given, claiming it is too slow, inefficient, and difficult to use.

The deskless staff needs access to tools that keep them organized, record time, and help them process tasks, regardless of where they are located.

a) Scheduling and Time Tracking Apps: Scheduling and time-tracking apps allow employees to manage their time more effectively, record billable hours, and increase productivity. These remote work tools help achieve greater efficiency and focus while assisting with maintaining a work-life balance.

b) Mobile Forms and Checklists: Paperwork and manual processes can impair productivity, especially for workers away from their desks. Mobile forms and checklists digitalize workflows and enable employees to learn, instruct, and document their tasks with little or no difficulty. Whether it’s field inspection, customer feedback collection, or inventory recording, mobile forms help save time and make processes error-free and better.

c) Knowledge Base and Document Sharing Platforms: Information availability becomes key when operating remotely. A knowledge base and document-sharing platform act as a shared database of the organization where different documents, such as policies and resources, are stored. These channels thus foster a hassle-free collaboration principle, which is helpful for deskless employees to use, edit, and share documents even when they are on the move.

d) Offline Access to Critical Information: A robust offline feature is significant in remote or field-based locations where internet connection may be unstable. Tools that provide access to crucial information offline ensure that deskless employees are not interrupted while accomplishing their tasks. Such tools allow deskless employees to access documents, update their tasks, and communicate with team members even when there is no network service.

Also Read: 7 Effective Time Management Strategies for Deskless Employees

Field Service & Customer Management

Field service and customer management tools are indispensable for deskless employees, who can provide better services and effortlessly engage with customers.

a) Mobile CRM Tools: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems allow deskless employees to efficiently deal with customers. These tools are knowledge hubs that track customer interactions and facilitate targeted marketing. As a result, there is an increase in customer satisfaction and loyalty.

b) Real-time Dispatch and Scheduling Software: Field service operations must be conducted efficiently through the proper allocation of tasks and scheduling. Instant dispatch and scheduling software optimizes resource allocation, reducing travel time and improving service delivery. Such systems allow companies to respond to customers quickly, avoid downtime, and improve overall operation performance.

c) Mobile Payment Processing Solutions: For deskless sales or service delivery employees, mobile payment processing solutions streamline transactions and enhance customer convenience. These tools warrant secure, on-the-go payment processing, facilitate seamless transactions, and improve customer experience.

d) Tools for Capturing Customer Data: Traditional paper-based processes can be cumbersome and inefficient. Electronic forms and signature capture tools digitize paperwork, helping deskless employees capture customer data, obtain signatures, and complete transactions electronically. These tools reduce paperwork, minimize errors, and accelerate transaction times, ultimately improving operational efficiency.

Also Read: 10 Creative Ways to Recognize Frontline Workers in Your Organization

Additional Considerations for Deskless Employees

Aside from functionality, there are several important aspects to consider when selecting tools for remote work for deskless employees. 

a) Security:  One of the top concerns is security. Given that deskless workers are dependent on remote work software, strict security measures to protect sensitive data must be implemented. Examples of such measures include data encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and remote wipe protocols – all aimed at preventing unauthorized access or mismanagement. 

b) Usability: Dynamic working conditions for deskless employees require tools with an easy-to-use interface. This results in agility by reducing the necessary learning time and ease of use on the go, boosting productivity. An intuitive user interface, reduced clutter, and optimal navigation significantly improve the user experience. High user experience levels will improve the software’s user adoption and optimal usage of all its features, contributing to greater efficiency. 

c) Offline Functionality: Remote work software must be available offline in areas with poor connectivity. Critical corporate data and functionality must be available to deskless workers, ensuring productivity regardless of location. This means that users can continue to work normally in a low-connectivity or no-connectivity area without losing any data. Secondly, the software’s ready synchronization ensures that any work done without connectivity is automatically synced when the user is connected to the internet.

d) Training and Support: Training and support are essential to ensure that the tool is most productive. They incorporate training courseware and convenient and prompt support channels to maximize satisfaction and productivity and keep users engaged and motivated.

Also Read: Data Analytics in Frontline Operations: Best Strategies to Succeed.

Let’s Sum Up

Equipping deskless employees with the right tools is paramount for ensuring productivity, connectivity, and well-being in remote work settings. By leveraging communication platforms, task management apps, and ergonomic accessories, employers can empower their deskless workforce to thrive in the digital era. Embracing these essential tools not only fosters efficient collaboration but also cultivates a supportive environment where remote employees can excel and contribute to organizational success from any location. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can deskless employees optimize their home workspace for remote work productivity?

Deskless employees can optimize their home workspace by setting up a designated area with comfortable seating and proper lighting, using noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions, and investing in ergonomic accessories like a standing desk converter or lumbar support cushion.

2. What cybersecurity measures should deskless workers be aware of?

Deskless workers should be aware of cybersecurity measures such as using a secure VPN connection when accessing company networks, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive tasks, and being cautious of phishing attempts and malware threats.

3. What role can analytics and reporting play when using remote work tools for deskless employees? 

Remote work tools offer analytics capabilities to allow managers to keep track of employees’ productivity, task completion rates, time of travel, and other key metrics. This would help upgrade processes and boost workforce management efforts.