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- Boston Consulting Group | Facing Deskless Labor Shortage with Technology (2024)
Boston Consulting Group | Facing Deskless Labor Shortage with Technology (2024)
This article discusses how companies can address deskless labour shortages by using technology to improve communication, reduce physical strain, and boost engagement. By integrating digital tools, organisations can enhance the working conditions of deskless workers, leading to better retention, higher job satisfaction, and improved productivity.
Tanguy Dulac
September 29, 2024
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Boston Consulting Group | Facing Deskless Labor Shortage with Technology | This article discusses how companies can address deskless labour shortages by using technology to improve communication, reduce physical strain, and boost engagement. By integrating digital tools, organisations can enhance the working conditions of deskless workers, leading to better retention, higher job satisfaction, and improved productivity.
DID YOU KNOW?
“Deskless employees, who make up 70%-80% of the global workforce, face challenges like physical demands and limited communication. As a result, 53% feel burned out, and 43% are looking for new jobs”.
DID YOU SEE?
Figure: The Deskless Workforce is Overburden
NEED AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY?
Introduction
The report by Boston Consulting Group addresses the global deskless labour shortage and the pressing need for technological solutions to enhance deskless workers' experiences. Deskless employees, who make up 70%-80% of the global workforce, face distinct challenges due to their reliance on physical presence, limited communication channels, and demanding roles. Technology can play a pivotal role in mitigating these challenges and improving job satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
Key Insights
Employee Burnout and Turnover: Deskless workers are experiencing high levels of burnout, with 53% reporting fatigue and 43% actively seeking new jobs. This turnover is costly, as replacing workers can cost up to 10% of their annual salary. Companies with low employee satisfaction see 33% higher turnover and 15% lower productivity.
Technology Gaps: Many deskless workers are digitally disconnected, with 66% lacking access to corporate mobile devices. Despite advancements in consumer technology, enterprise systems often need to provide deskless employees with the user-friendly tools they need, negatively impacting their productivity and engagement.
Employee Engagement and Retention: Companies focusing on the emotional and functional needs of deskless workers see significant improvements in engagement. Addressing factors such as feeling respected and valued correlates with a 3.2x increase in motivation and a 72% reduction in attrition. Effective use of technology also leads to a 30% decrease in job-seeking behaviour and a 46% drop in stress.
Business Impact of Employee Experience: Optimising deskless employee experiences translates directly into business benefits, including enhanced collaboration, real-time problem-solving, and improved operational efficiency. Companies leveraging digital communication and task management tools can reduce absenteeism by 41% and improve overall performance.
Recommendations
Invest in Digital Tools for Deskless Employees: Provide deskless workers with easy-to-use, mobile-friendly tools that integrate with existing enterprise systems. This could reduce inefficiencies like manual paperwork and improve real-time communication, enabling workers to manage shifts, access training, and stay informed.
Focus on Employee Engagement: Engage deskless workers by addressing their specific needs, such as offering a platform for feedback, recognising their contributions, and improving access to personal development opportunities. These initiatives can lead to a 13.9x improvement in engagement and significantly lower attrition rates.
Streamline Communication: Implement digital platforms for seamless communication between management and deskless employees. This ensures that critical updates and corporate messages are consistently delivered, reducing operational errors and improving employee connection with the company’s goals.
Equalize the Digital Experience: Ensure that deskless workers receive the same level of digital support as their desk-bound counterparts. By closing this gap, businesses can foster inclusivity, improve workforce morale, and enable smoother department operations.
Conclusion
Addressing the unique challenges of deskless workers through technological investment is critical for organisations facing labour shortages. By improving engagement, streamlining communication, and providing accessible digital tools, companies can enhance retention, reduce burnout, and ultimately drive operational excellence. For HR leaders, the focus must shift from reactive recruitment to proactive retention, ensuring that deskless employees are empowered to succeed in today’s demanding work environments.