Deskless workers comprise 80% of global employees, yet many organizations do not consider them within engagement frameworks. These individuals work in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, or logistics. The challenges related to motivation directly influence a company’s productivity and retention.
How do you strengthen the feeling of being connected and appreciated among deskless employees? Here are three effective solutions along with some insights for relatability.
1. Fill In the Communication Gap With Mobile-Optimized Solutions
A deskless employee’s role usually does not offer constant access to emails, company portals, or calendars. Outdated methods of communication often leave them feeling offline, disengaged, and uninvited at work.
What Works:
- Smartphones or tablets can be used for team messaging like Slack or Microsoft Teams so employees are always online and not isolated.
- Captured leadership updates shared through engaging video snippets help overcome outdated, long-form emails.
- Feedback channels that allow staff members to submit concerns, ideas, and other suggestions stemming from seated interaction distance.
Personal Example: One of my friends works in retail. She once told me how her manager would print out store memorandums and pin them up on a bulletin board without any consideration for prior consultations, likely because it was easier than trying to reach employees directly. After integrating a participation group app, her ability to voice opinions toward changes improved significantly, and her self-perception as an informant gained positivity.
Pro Tip: A way to engage your deskless employees is made simpler with mobile-first communication.
2. Recognize and Reward Their Efforts
Unlike office workers, deskless employees don’t receive spontaneous shouts of praise or recognition during meetings, leading them to feel disconnected and unappreciated.
How to Show Appreciation:
- Public recognitions such as an “Employee of the Month” board or shout-outs in team chats.
- Increases in break time or small gift card incentives.
- Participation in training programs or mentorship opportunities for career development.
Why It Matters:
During a temporary warehouse job I held once, my only form of feedback came when I did something incorrectly. If a supervisor had told me, “Great job today!”, it would have worked wonders for morale.
3. Use Technology To Empower (Not Monitor)
Employers that utilize surveillance-style tools often make their employees feel distrusted; instead, use technology that empowers employees’ work functions.
Tech Solutions That Help:
- Streamlined workflow through task management apps.
- Use of employee time tracking app Controlio for employee time tracking, provided it’s utilized transparently—for schedule optimization rather than activity monitoring.
- Training platforms featuring bite-sized lessons offer on-the-go learning opportunities.
The Solution?
Technology should simplify tasks, not cause undue stress. Controlio, for example, is a tool that allows managers to schedule shifts without all the last-minute chaos.
Closing Thoughts: Inclusion Is at the Core of Engagement
Deskless employees prop up a lot of businesses, but they often get overlooked. With thoughtful use of technology and better communication, you can reinforce their engagement and motivation, which enhances productivity.
One Small Step Today:
Implement one of these suggestions this week; even saying “thank you” makes a larger impact than people realize.
Need More Assistance?
What strategies do you find most challenging for engaging deskless workers? Let us know in the comments!
