The employee experience is an essential aspect of any organization, and it can have a significant impact on the company’s overall success. However, improving the employee experience is not just about providing a great work environment and perks for employees. It also involves ensuring that deskless workers feel valued, engaged, and motivated in their roles. Deskless workers are those who do not have a dedicated workspace, such as retail workers, field service technicians, and healthcare professionals. In this article, we will explore the top strategies to improve the employee experience of deskless workers.

What is the Deskless Workforce?

The deskless workforce refers to a group of employees who do not have a designated desk or computer to perform their job tasks. These workers are typically found in industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction, where their work is mainly done on-site or on the move.

Deskless workers use mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and specialized handheld devices to access critical information and communicate with colleagues and customers. This mobile technology enables them to stay connected and access real-time information while working remotely or traveling between job sites.

Employers must ensure that the deskless workforce has the tools and resources needed to perform their job effectively, such as mobile apps, training, and support. By leveraging technology, businesses can streamline communication and collaboration among deskless employees, leading to improved productivity, job satisfaction, and customer satisfaction.

As the trend towards remote work continues to grow, the deskless workforce will play an increasingly important role in driving innovation and economic growth.

Top Strategies to Improve Experience of Deskless Workers

1. Provide Opportunities for Career Growth and Development

One of the most critical factors that influence the employee experience of deskless workers is the opportunity for career growth and development. Many deskless workers may feel that they are stuck in their roles and lack opportunities for advancement. To address this issue, organizations can provide training and development programs that help deskless workers acquire new skills and advance their careers. For example, companies can offer on-the-job training, mentoring programs, and tuition reimbursement for further education.

2. Improve Communication

Effective communication is vital for a positive employee experience, but it can be challenging to maintain with deskless workers who are not physically present in the same location as their colleagues. To overcome this challenge, organizations can implement various communication tools and platforms to keep deskless workers connected and informed. These tools may include messaging apps, virtual meetings, and social media platforms. Additionally, managers can schedule regular check-ins with deskless workers to provide feedback and address any concerns.

3. Offer Flexibility

Deskless workers often have unpredictable schedules, making it difficult for them to balance their work and personal lives. Offering flexibility can help deskless workers feel more in control of their schedules and improve their overall experience. For example, companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as part-time schedules, job-sharing, or telecommuting options. Additionally, organizations can implement shift-swapping programs to allow deskless workers to swap shifts with their colleagues to accommodate personal obligations.

4. Provide Access to Technology

Access to technology can significantly impact the employee experience of deskless workers. However, many deskless workers may not have access to the same technology resources as their colleagues who work in an office environment. Providing deskless workers with the tools they need to perform their job can help them feel supported and empowered. For example, organizations can provide mobile devices, laptops, or tablets to deskless workers, allowing them to access information and communicate with colleagues and customers.

5. Recognize and Reward Employees

Recognition and rewards are critical for motivating and engaging employees, including deskless workers. However, it can be challenging to recognize and reward deskless workers, especially those who work in remote locations. To address this challenge, organizations can implement various recognition programs, such as employee of the month awards, peer-to-peer recognition, or personalized thank-you notes. Additionally, organizations can offer tangible rewards such as gift cards, time off, or bonuses to recognize and incentivize exceptional performance.

6. Create a Sense of Community

Deskless employees may feel isolated from the rest of the organization. Creating a sense of community can help them feel more connected and engaged. Consider hosting regular team-building events, such as a company picnic or volunteer day.

Examples of Deskless Workers

There are many different types of deskless workers, each with their unique job responsibilities and work environments. One example of a deskless worker is a delivery driver. These professionals spend most of their workday behind the wheel of a vehicle, delivering packages, food, or other goods to various locations. They may also be responsible for loading and unloading the vehicle, managing inventory, and communicating with customers about delivery times and other logistics.

Another example of a deskless worker is a healthcare professional. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers often spend their workday moving from patient to patient, providing medical care and support. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities, as well as in patients’ homes or other remote locations. Healthcare professionals must be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions, often in high-stress situations.

Sales professionals are another common example of deskless workers. These professionals spend much of their time traveling to meet with clients and prospects, pitching products and services, and building relationships. They may work for a variety of businesses, from small startups to large corporations, and must be able to adapt to different industries and customer needs.

Field technicians are also considered deskless workers. These professionals are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining a wide range of equipment and systems, from HVAC systems to telecommunications infrastructure. They may work for utility companies, telecommunications providers, or other businesses that rely on specialized equipment and technology.

Conclusion

Improving the employee experience of deskless workers is crucial for creating a positive work environment and ensuring organizational success. Providing opportunities for career growth and development, improving communication, offering flexibility, providing access to technology, and recognizing and rewarding employees are some of the top strategies organizations can implement to improve the employee experience of deskless workers. By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a more engaged and motivated workforce and improve overall job satisfaction among deskless workers.