What is Deskless Workers? | Meaning & Definition | Akrivia HCM

The term deskless worker refers to employees who do not have assigned offices and workspace. They comprise a growing proportion of the workforce and are on the front lines of creating and selling the products we enjoy today. They are often provided with fewer safeguards than traditional office environments, putting them at risk from a global pandemic. 

Challenges of the deskless workforce 

• Organizations that employ many blue-collar workers have a more challenging time retaining and attracting top talent because blue-collar workers are less loyal and more likely to change jobs. Turnover rates are high in many industries that employ deskless workers. Many organizations have difficulty lowering it because resources are wasted when employees leave. 
• Deskless workers are often on the front lines of their companies. They work on factory or shop floors, in the field collecting data, or on the road providing services. This can make it difficult for managers and employers to reach out to them when there is something important to communicate. 
• Deskless workers often feel disconnected from the organization or group because of poor communication between employers and employees. Furthermore, some deskless workers believe that their employers do not value them. 
• Employees who work from home often face the same challenges as those who work in the office to find relevant information. However, frontline workers tend to have less access to technology, making it more difficult to locate the information they need. Office workers use more communication and engagement tools than frontline employees in many organizations. Such tools allow them to stay in touch with colleagues and superiors, which increases employee engagement. On the other hand, frontline employees may feel disconnected from the rest of the organization. This negatively impacts employee productivity and performance.