Nearly every business with desk-free workers, regardless of industry, grapples with a critical issue - the communication gap between these employees and back-office management. This disconnect exists for many reasons and it is the silent barrier that keeps organisations from reaching their full potential. But what if you could bridge this gap?
In an era where digital transformation is reshaping every industry, the frontline workforce remains an essential yet often overlooked element. These desk-free workers, spanning sectors such as retail, wholesale, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, and facilities management, face unique challenges. Despite their critical roles, they frequently find themselves disconnected from the larger organisational framework.
In our latest e-book, 'Desk-free workers: The asset businesses cannot afford to lose’, we take a deep dive into some of the most prominent issues this workforce is facing, and how these issues impact aspects like efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This blog aims to summarise some of the key insights from our e-book, while offering practical solutions through OneAdvanced’s product portfolio.
The unique challenges of the desk-free workforce
Desk-free workers account for around 80% of the global working population. They are the people who get the job done, often for low pay, anti-social hours, in testing conditions, and with little recognition.
The challenges employees face in these highly demanding roles can significantly affect their morale, influencing their attitudes towards work, customers, and management. If not addressed properly, these issues can lead to high job dissatisfaction and increased staff turnover. This directly impacts the bottom line and leads to a decline in productivity, profit margins, and brand image.
As a result, organisations are actively seeking better strategies to attract and retain their essential workforce. Many leaders are now realising that desk-free workers, often the unsung heroes of the workforce, need to be empowered with the same tools and access to information as their office-based counterparts.
Isolation from core operations
“According to research by Blink, 37% of frontline workers feel less valued than colleagues in desk-based jobs”
Desk-free workers are the backbone of many industries, yet they often feel isolated from the heart of the organisation. This disconnect not only impacts their morale but also their productivity. Unlike their desk-bound counterparts, they lack easy access to crucial information and company updates, creating a communication gap that hinders operational efficiency.
Inconvenient communication channels
“Around 80% of the global workforce does not work in front of a computer”
In many organisations the communication channels for desk-free workers are often inconsistent and unreliable. There is a reliance on internal hubs or digital bulletin boards, but with many of these workers constantly on the go without access to a computer, important updates may not reach them in time, leading to misunderstandings and errors. This inconsistency can be particularly problematic in sectors like logistics and retail, where timely information is crucial for smooth operations.
Misaligned conceptions
“64% of workers say that being given training and better career support would encourage them to stay with their employer on average six years longer”
A number of recent studies also demonstrate the considerable disconnect between what desk-free workers need and want, and how these needs are perceived by senior management. Possibly contrary to assumption, many desk-free workers on the frontline are looking for career opportunities with their employer and are not just using the job as a stepping stone.
According to Kahoot’s 2023 Workplace Culture Report, a significant 64% of workers say that being given better training and career support would encourage them to stay with their employer on average six years longer, and 44% said they would stay for at least ten years.
Limited access to training and development
“51% of Gen Z staff say they would stay for at least a decade for improved training and career development opportunities”
Continuous training and development is vital for any workforce, but desk-free workers often miss out on these opportunities. Limited access to training resources may mean that they struggle to keep up with industry advancements, impacting their performance and career growth opportunities.
Productivity
“According to a recent poll by Gallup, highly engaged teams are 21% more productive”
Employee engagement is increasingly being recognised as an important consideration for overall business success. Many organisations now understand this and have strategies in place to improve it, but they are often still overlooking a crucial section of the workforce in this process.
Focus is usually directed towards increasing engagement with office-based staff, using computer-based engagement platforms and regular digital communication. This is vital, but it is incredibly important that the same level of focus is given to desk-free workers in this process. As they are usually the ones facing customers daily, they need to have increased engagement with the company’s ethos, and they need to feel driven/motivated in their roles, otherwise customer service may fall significantly, and businesses may have their reputation impacted.
How can workforce management software address these challenges?
Workforce management software is crucial for businesses managing both desk-based and desk-free employees because it improves communication in the workplace by providing real-time updates and notifications, ensuring that all employees remain informed and connected regardless of their location or role.
By centralising communication channels, it allows for seamless sharing of important information, whether it's company-wide announcements, team-specific updates, or individual messages. This helps to build a more inclusive workplace and keeps employees engaged by eliminating communication silos and making it easier for them to stay aligned with organisational goals. Additionally, features like mobile accessibility ensure that desk-free employees can access the same information on-the-go, promoting a positive environment and a greater sense of belonging within the organisation.
On top of improved communication, it can also automate routine tasks such as scheduling, time tracking, and payroll, whilst helping to ensure organisations maintain regulatory compliance and improve operational efficiency. Systems such as OneAdvanced’s Performance and Talent enable managers to recognise and reward employee efforts, boosting morale and job satisfaction which can lead to higher retention rates within these difficult and highly competitive industries too.
OneAdvanced: We’re here to help
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, understanding the struggles of your desk-free workforce is more important than ever. For businesses looking to bridge the communication divide, leveraging OneAdvanced’s portfolio of products can help, enhancing employee engagement and wider operational efficiency.
By investing in workforce management solutions, including people management, governance and risk solutions, procurement tools, and financial management, businesses can create a more connected and productive workforce.
Would you like to learn more about how OneAdvanced can help you to effectively manage your desk-free workforce? Download the full e-book now for actionable insights!