Last updated on October 1, 2024 at 02:44 pm

Around 2.7 billion individuals—which is about 80% of the global workforce —don’t spend their days in typical office settings. These individuals are known as deskless employees.

From farming to building, these workers play a vital role in major sectors and the overall economy. Despite playing a critical role, deskless employees have frequently been neglected in terms of technological assistance and business strategy.

This article breaks down the importance of frontline employees and its impact on your business. It also shows the importance of supporting them to lead modern business operations. 

The Growing Importance of Deskless Employees

In many industries, deskless employees are often overlooked. Without a designated office space, they’re usually found working on-site or out in the field. This group includes off-site workers, field staff, and those who split their time between remote and office work. Let’s take a closer look at the crucial tasks they handle:

• Retail Workers: Contribute to sales and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Healthcare Professionals: Provide essential direct patient care.
• Manufacturing Staff: Ensure efficient production processes.
• Logistics Workers: Manage product storage and timely deliveries.

As these jobs become more critical, businesses need to give deskless employees the right tools and support. This allows them to perform their best, which helps the company succeed.

Economic Impact

Deskless employees are crucial to the global economy, making significant contributions across various sectors. Let’s explore how their roles impact key industries:

For example, the retail industry is expected to grow from $31.1 trillion by 2024 to $34.9 trillion by 2027. These big numbers show just how important retail workers are for economic growth.

Likewise, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics all rely heavily on deskless workers to keep operations smooth and drive success in their fields. Let’s explore how these employees contribute to each sector.

• Healthcare Industry: Just like other important fields, healthcare is making a big splash in the economy. It’s growing quickly and bringing lots of new job opportunities. The number of healthcare workers is predicted to rise by 29%, experts say. That means the workforce will go from 65.1 million in 2020  to 84 million by 2030. This jump is much more substantial compared to the 9.7% rise expected in the global population during that period.
• Manufacturing Industry: The manufacturing industry mainly relies on its frontline employees. The National Association of Manufacturers states that the manufacturing sector contributes over $2.3 trillion to the U.S. economy each year. The dedication of these workers is mostly responsible for the significant impact on keeping production operations running smoothly.
• Logistics Industry: According to a report, the global logistics market is anticipated to be worth $10.59 trillion by 2023. Deskless employees in logistics are essential for effective product transport and supporting global trade. The contributions of deskless employees across these sectors highlight their indispensable role in driving economic growth and operational success.

Trends of Deskless Work

Deskless work has become a trend nowadays, given the growing e-commerce revolution, telemedicine, and the gig economy.

More and more businesses use non-desk-bound workers to satisfy consumers’ demands and keep up with dynamic market conditions. This shift mirrors global business transformations, highlighting the growing significance of frontline workers.

Several key trends are showing the rise of deskless work:

1. E-Commerce

The surge in online shopping further raised the demand for warehousing and distribution center workers. E-commerce Sales Are Forecasted to Grow by Leaps and Bounds from $6.85 trillion in 2025 to potentially $7.41 trillion in 2026!

2. Telemedicine

Telemedicine has forever changed how we seek our healthcare. McKinsey states that telehealth has risen 38-fold compared with pre-COVID-19 days. This demonstrates a critical need for skilled specialists in remote care.

3. Gig Economy

The gig economy is booming! According to a report, it’s expanding three times faster than the regular U.S. workforce. By 2027, half of the U.S. workforce will dive into gig jobs. This shift to flexible, often mobile roles shows how work is evolving.

Challenges Faced by Deskless Employees

1. Lack of Access to Information

Deskless employees can find it very difficult to access the information and technology necessary for them to succeed at their jobs. Without this access, their capacity to stay updated is severely limited. 

• Limited Access to Company Resources: The “State of Technology for the Deskless Workforce 2020” report by Emergence Capital states that 75% of deskless workers heavily depend on technology for their duties. Still, more than 60% are unhappy with their tools. They consider these tools to be slow and challenging to use, hindering their effective access to essential information.
• Inadequate Technology: Many deskless workers are hampered by outdated technology. This technological gap can slow down their work processes and complicate their daily tasks, making their roles more challenging.

2. Communication Gaps

Keeping clear communication with deskless staff can be tough. Without face-to-face meetings, making sure that messages are received and understood can be a challenge for employees and for the staff too. 

• Geographical Dispersion: Deskless employees usually work in different locations. A Deloitte study found that 64% of these workers have trouble maintaining the connection to their teams, which can lead to delays and inefficiencies.
• Technology Integration: Disjointed communication tools can make these problems even worse. Many deskless workers face difficulties with disjointed communication platforms, which hinders their ability to collaborate and share information effectively.

3. Training and Development

Ongoing training and career development for deskless workers is a significant hurdle. Unlike office-based employees, deskless staff often have fewer chances for professional advancement.

• Access to Continuous Learning: Deskless workers frequently have trouble accessing professional development resources. Although mobile learning platforms, such as microlearning, can provide on-the-go training, access to these resources is often inconsistent.

The Business Impact of Deskless Employees

Here’s a snapshot of the importance of deskless workers from a business perspective:

1. Customer Experience and Satisfaction

The face of your company often includes deskless employees in roles like retail or customer service. Their daily customer interactions can greatly shape how people view your brand.

2. Operational Efficiency

Deskless workers are essential for keeping things running smoothly. They handle tasks such as:

• Managing inventory
• Ensuring product quality
• Answering customer questions

According to Raydiant, just 41% of deskless workers are very engaged in their jobs. Low engagement can lead to worse customer service and harm overall business success.

3. Brand Reputation

How you treat your deskless employees impacts your company’s reputation. Positive treatment can lead to:

• Higher employee morale
• Better performance
• Stronger brand reputation

Gallup’s 2024 Employee Experience Report reveals that companies with engaged deskless workers saw a 25% increase in brand reputation scores. This shows how crucial it is to invest in and support these employees to enhance your brand’s image and success.

How Supporting Deskless Employees Drives Business Success

Here’s how supporting deskless employees drives business success:

1. Boosting Engagement

Engaging deskless employees is crucial for enhancing their job satisfaction and performance. Modern tools like employee intranets and employee apps play a big role in this.

These platforms offer:

• Real-Time Communication: Keeping everyone connected and informed.
• Resource Access: Easy access to important company resources and updates.

Imagine if you could easily contact your team and access all the information you need instantly—these tools can make that a reality.

2. Improving Retention and Productivity

Purchasing appropriate tools and resources that improve the productivity of deskless employees ultimately leads to lower turnover rates in those roles.

This friction is particularly true at the edge, where 45% of deskless workers lack consistent access to a company email, restricting their ability to stay in touch with and become part of an active team.

One way is by offering career development and communication opportunities to make these workers feel more valued and less likely to leave. This in turn results in a more stable workforce and increased productivity.

3. Innovation on the Frontlines

Empowering deskless employees can spark innovation. These workers, being on the front lines, often have unique insights into customer needs and operational processes. When supported, they can provide valuable feedback that leads to:

• Enhanced Service Delivery: New ideas for improving customer interactions.
• Product Development: Suggestions for refining products based on direct feedback.

4. Dynamic Work Environments

Deskless jobs are often highly dynamic and require specific skills and flexibility. In fact, 92% of organizations report that deskless workers’ roles are diverse and constantly evolving. This highlights the need for innovative solutions to support these workers.

By tailoring support to their needs, you help ensure they can handle the demands of their roles effectively and efficiently.

Best Practices for Empowering Deskless Employees

Below are some practices worth exploring:

1. Invest in Technology

Investing in the right technology is key to supporting deskless employees effectively:

• Mobile-First Platforms: Equip deskless workers with mobile communication tools that make accessing information and resources easy. Gartner reports that 60% of organizations with a mobile-first approach see a boost in both employee engagement and productivity.
• Mobile Learning and Training: Provide deskless employees with mobile learning platforms for on-the-go training. Microlearning apps, for example, deliver essential training directly to their mobile devices, helping them quickly update their skills.
• Mobile Workforce Management Systems: Implement these systems to streamline operations. They assist with schedule management, task tracking, and team communication. Organizations leverage 28% higher productivity through advanced workforce management technologies—according to the Gartner report, 2023.
• Digital Training Tools: Make sure deskless employees have the digital tools needed for training, allowing them to connect with and use their learning materials easily.

2. Flexible Scheduling and Career Growth Opportunities

Offering flexibility and opportunities for career development can greatly improve job satisfaction and retention among deskless employees.

• Flexible Scheduling: Being flexible with work schedules and offering career growth opportunities can improve job satisfaction and help keep deskless employees longer.
• Career Development: Offering clear paths for career growth and access to training is essential. Deskless employees gain a lot from learning new skills and advancing in their careers. Provide regular training and development programs that fit their roles.

3. Fostering a Culture of Recognition

Creating an organizational culture of recognition motivates and makes deskless staff feel included.Here’s how to effectively recognize and support these valuable employees:

• Recognize Contributions: The managers or employers should recognize the contribution and celebrate deskless employees’ successes on a regular basis. Recognition can be provided through various means, like formal recognition programs, shout-outs at meetings, or simply sending a thank-you note.
• Provide Feedback Opportunities:  Invite deskless employees to share their ideas on how their work environment or processes can be improved. Encouraging this kind of input shows that their opinions matter and can lead to meaningful changes.

Wrapping Up

Deskless employees are crucial to the smooth operation and success of various sectors. Addressing their unique challenges with modern technology, flexible work arrangements, and a robust recognition system can lead to significant improvements in job satisfaction and business outcomes.

The EMPLOYEE App is specifically designed to address these challenges. With mobile-friendly access, effective communication tools, and an integrated intranet, it ensures that deskless employees stay connected and engaged, even in computer-free environments.

Discover how we can transform your team’s communication and boost productivity. Schedule a demo today to experience the benefits firsthand!

FAQs

Why are deskless employees important to business success?

Deskless employees perform essential tasks in industries like retail, healthcare, and logistics, directly impacting operations and customer experiences. Supporting them ensures smooth business operations and improved outcomes.

What challenges do deskless employees commonly face?

Deskless employees often lack easy access to company resources and communication tools, making it harder to stay informed and connected. They also face fewer opportunities for skill development and career growth.

How can businesses better support deskless employees?

Businesses can support deskless employees by providing user-friendly mobile tools, offering flexible schedules, and creating opportunities for professional development. Clear communication and recognition are also key to improving their job satisfaction and performance.

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