Who are deskless workers?
Deskless workers are employees who perform their roles away from a traditional office setting, often without access to a dedicated workstation or computer. They make up a significant portion of the global workforce, yet they are often underserved when it comes to digital transformation.
These workers span various industries and roles, including:
- Retail staff
- Delivery drivers
- Healthcare professionals
- Construction workers
- Manufacturing employees
- Hospitality staff
- Field service technicians
Despite their diverse roles, deskless workers share common challenges, particularly around digital integration and access to resources. Addressing these challenges is important for successfully upskilling your workforce for the digital econo
What are the challenges faced by deskless workers?
Deskless workers face unique challenges that can hinder their performance and overall job satisfaction. Understanding these obstacles is the first step in developing effective solutions to bring them into the digital age.
Limited access to information
One major barrier for deskless workers is limited access to real-time information. Without immediate access to digital tools or communication channels, they may miss critical updates, policies or instructions, leading to inefficiencies and mistakes. Bridging this gap is essential for keeping them informed and connected to the rest of the organisation.
Lack of communication and instant feedback
Deskless workers often experience a lack of communication and real-time feedback from their supervisors or peers. This can result in misunderstandings, delays in addressing issues, and a sense of disconnection from the company. By fostering informal communication, businesses can create a more inclusive and responsive working environment, improving morale and efficiency.
Problems with productivity
Without proper digital tools, measuring and enhancing productivity for deskless workers can be challenging. Tracking tasks manually or relying on outdated processes leads to inaccuracies and inefficiencies that can hinder growth. Integrating solutions for measuring productivity can streamline operations, providing clearer insights into individual and team performance.
Feelings of loneliness and isolation
Isolation is a significant issue for deskless employees, particularly those working in remote or solitary environments. This lack of connection can impact job satisfaction and mental health, both of which can have a negative impact on productivity. Prioritising employee wellbeing through digital tools and supportive initiatives can help combat feelings of loneliness, fostering a more engaged workforce.
Higher risk of workplace injury
Deskless roles often involve physically demanding tasks, increasing the risk of workplace injuries. Without easy access to safety information or training resources, these risks can escalate, potentially leading to higher absenteeism rates and decreased productivity. Implementing robust HR policies and procedures ensures that deskless employees are well-informed about safety practices, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Upskilling the workforce for the digital economy
To effectively engage and support deskless workers, businesses must adopt strategies aimed at upskilling your workforce for the digital economy. This involves leveraging digital tools and systems to improve communication, streamline operations and enhance employee experiences.
Adopt digital communication platforms
Digital communication platforms bridge the gap between deskless workers and their office-based counterparts, ensuring that everyone stays informed and connected. By improving workplace communication, businesses can foster real-time collaboration, reduce misunderstandings and build a more cohesive workforce.
Offer employee self-service platforms
Employee self-service platforms empower deskless workers to access and manage their personal information, payslips and benefits independently. Providing employee self-service options increases transparency, reduces administrative burdens and enhances employee satisfaction by giving them more control over their work-related information.
Use performance management systems
Implementing performance management systems allows businesses to track and evaluate how well deskless employees are carrying out their roles. These systems provide data-driven insights into employee progress, enabling managers to offer targeted feedback and development opportunities. This is a key component of fostering continuous improvement and engagement to drive business growth.
Implement time and attendance software
Accurate monitoring of the hours worked by employees is crucial for managing deskless workers. By using time and attendance software, businesses can automate clock-ins, keep track of hours worked and ensure fair pay, all while reducing administrative errors. This level of transparency benefits both employers and employees, improving trust and efficiency across the board.
Introduce absence management tools
Absence management is another critical area where digital solutions can make a significant difference. By introducing absence management software, companies can streamline leave requests, monitor patterns and maintain adequate staffing levels. This helps to maintain operational continuity while supporting employees’ need for time off, creating a balanced and fair working environment.
Bring deskless workers into the digital age with PeopleHR
Integrating deskless workers into the digital infrastructure is essential for future-proofing businesses and ensuring long-term success. By focusing on upskilling the workforce for the digital economy through digital communication, self-service platforms and performance management systems, companies can bridge the gap between deskless and office-based employees.
Our HR software offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to support these initiatives, streamlining processes and enhancing employee engagement for greater productivity. To learn more about how PeopleHR can support your workforce, try out our demo or get in touch with a member of our team.
