The Ultimate Guide to Engaging Deskless Workers: Strategies & Solutions

Managing deskless workers in industries like manufacturing, construction, and logistics can be challenging. These workers, who make up a large part of the global workforce, often lack access to traditional office tools, leading to communication difficulties. Understanding their needs and finding effective ways to engage with them is essential for maintaining productivity and morale. By directly addressing these challenges, companies can improve communication and boost efficiency. Let's explore strategies to better engage your deskless workers.

Deskless Workers

Deskless workers perform their jobs outside of a traditional office setting and represent about 80% of the global workforce. They are common in fields like manufacturing, construction, transportation,healthcare and retail. These workers typically don't have a fixed workspace or regular access to corporate technology like email or company intranets, making reaching non-desk employees a challenge. This lack of access impacts their work and creates challenges like communication barriers and high turnover rates, as highlighted by the Boston Consulting Group.

Communication Challenges

Communication issues can hinder deskless workers' engagement and productivity. Some common challenges include:

• Limited Access to Technology: Over 80% of frontline workers don't have corporate email addresses, and more than 40% can't access company intranets while working, which prevents timely communication and access to critical information.
• Feeling Disconnected from Company Culture: Deskless workers often feel isolated due to infrequent communication with management. About 56% of U.S. deskless workers report feeling disengaged.
• Ineffective Top-Down Communication: Many organizations use one-way communication methods that don't encourage dialogue. Only 35% of frontline workers find communication from leadership effective.

By recognizing these issues, companies can implement communication strategies for deskless workers to improve communication and connection with their deskless workforce.

Improving Deskless Worker Experience

Enhancing the experience of deskless workers starts with improving communication with non-desk workers. Without access to tools like email or company intranets, these employees can feel disconnected. Implementing SMS-based platforms can effectively bridge this gap. These platforms ensure important information reaches employees in real-time, allowing for two-way communication and promoting inclusion.

For instance, mobile-first solutions help workers stay updated with essential company policies and receive messages from management wherever they are. Using these solutions can improve engagement and productivity and help reduce turnover rates by making employees feel valued and connected, as noted by the Boston Consulting Group.

Technology Solutions

In the modern work environment, communication solutions are crucial for improving communication with deskless workers. Since these workers often don't have access to traditional communication tools, employee communication software like SMS-based solutions become essential.

SMS-Based Communication Tools

SMS-based communication tools meet the unique needs of deskless workers by offering flexibility and ensuring effective communication. Unlike mobile apps, SMS platforms don't require employees to download new software, making them immediately available to everyone regardless of their comfort with technology.

Benefits of SMS-Based Platforms

SMS-based platforms are simple and effective, offering mass texting advantages. With a 98% open rate, you can be confident your messages are received quickly. Yourco's SMS-based platform eliminates the need for app downloads or data usage, providing a dedicated number for secure, two-way communication. This allows HR managers to connect with employees easily—no personal devices needed.

By using SMS-based technologies, organizations can close the communication gap with their deskless workforce, improving productivity and employee satisfaction. These technologies streamline workflows and keep employees connected and informed, contributing to a more cohesive workplace.

Customizing Communication

Tailoring communication strategies for deskless workers is important. Since they make up about 80% of the global workforce and often lack access to traditional tools, adaptation is necessary. SMS-based tools that can be accessed via any mobile phone ensure information is always available. Using visual aids and short content can enhance engagement, especially when time is limited, as highlighted by BCG. Providing communication in multiple languages supports a diverse workforce, emphasizing the benefits of translation services and the translation software necessity. Customizing communication with industry-specific tools can address unique needs, making it more effective and efficient to engage non-desk employees.

Facilitating Engagement

Engaging deskless workers, who constitute about 80% of the global workforce, requires tailored communication strategies like SMS platforms designed for their needs.

Core Features of SMS Platforms

SMS platforms offer features like two-way communication and real-time updates, ensuring employees are informed and can share feedback. These platforms are accessible without internet access, suitable for workers without regular computer use. This ensures important information reaches every employee promptly, fostering inclusion and participation.

Use Cases of SMS Tools

SMS tools are valuable across various industries. In retail and hospitality, they help with task management by allowing managers to assign tasks and send reminders efficiently. In construction and logistics, they enable real-time feedback, letting employees report issues without delay. SMS tools are also vital for emergency communications, effectively alerting employees to critical updates instantly.

By incorporating these features, SMS platforms enhance productivity and employee satisfaction, addressing the communication gap that has affected deskless workers. As organizations adopt these tools, engagement and retention of deskless employees are likely to improve.

Evaluating SMS Platforms

SMS-based platforms are an effective solution for engaging deskless workers because they are widely accessible and easy to use. They don't require app downloads or internet access, making them a cost-effective communication tool for employees without regular computer access. The high read rate of 98% and average response time of 90 seconds ensure important messages are promptly received and addressed, underscoring their text message effectiveness.

Among the top choices is Yourco, an SMS-based platform designed for non-desk environments. Yourco offers features like AI-powered translations and secure document access, which are important in multilingual settings. It provides real-time analytics and integrates with existing HR and payroll systems, offering a comprehensive solution for engaging and supporting the deskless workforce.

Transform Your Communication Strategy Today

Transform Your Communication Strategy Today

Engaging deskless workers effectively is essential for maintaining productivity and satisfaction in any industry that relies on these employees. By integrating technology solutions like SMS-based communication tools such as Yourco, companies can overcome traditional barriers and ensure seamless interaction. Yourco's platform offers features like AI-powered translations and workplace translation tools, secure document access, and real-time analytics, allowing managers to connect with employees easily without relying on personal devices or requiring app downloads. This ensures important information reaches your workforce promptly, fostering inclusion and boosting morale.

By adopting Yourco's SMS-based solutions, you can support your deskless workers, reduce turnover rates, and enhance overall efficiency. Yourco bridges the communication gap, providing accessible and effective technology solutions for two-way communication regardless of your employees' location or access to technology. Don't let communication barriers hold your team back. 😊 

Try Yourco for free today or schedule a demo and see the difference the right workplace communication solution can make in your company.