Communication Shortcomings Hinder Deskless Workers in the Evolving Workforce

In a time where organizations are rethinking their approach toward workforce communication, a recent survey from Firstup sheds light on the significant barriers faced by deskless employees. With deskless workers constituting over 80% of the global workforce, their challenges in communication warrant urgent attention.

The Disconnect

The findings from Firstup's Deskless Communication Survey reveal a stark disparity between the communication needs of deskless employees, often engaged in physically demanding roles away from a traditional office setup, and the methods utilized by companies to convey vital information. For the many who operate on shop floors or are on-the-go, a majority cited feelings of disconnection from their organizations due to ineffective strategies that overlook their unique environments.

Close to one-third of respondents indicated that their companies are less effective at communicating compared to how well information is disseminated to office-based colleagues. Alarmingly, a significant portion is unsure of where to obtain essential information, with barriers including an overload of platforms that complicate access.

Common Communication Pitfalls

Many businesses still rely heavily on email, a method that does not align with the needs of deskless workers. Seven out of ten organizations depend on this outdated channel, while over half of these employees have limited access to emails. Consequently, vital updates often go unnoticed, as 32% feel overwhelmed and fail to engage with updates that arrive in their inboxes. The time when these messages are dispatched proves critical too, as 39% of deskless workers mention that they frequently receive communications at inconvenient moments.

Insights from Deskless Employees

The survey highlights key insights regarding how deskless employees desire to be communicated with. A staggering 61% believe that timely and relevant updates would substantially improve their performance at work. However, without modern strategies to bridge the communication gap, organizations risk suffering from decreased engagement and productivity levels.

Nicole Alvino, CEO of Firstup, states, "This disconnect erodes trust, then performance and productivity." She goes on to emphasize that organizations must choose to modernize their communication strategies or risk falling behind in the evolving workplace landscape.

Best Practices for Enhanced Communication

1. Leverage Mobile-Friendly Communication Channels

Given that many deskless workers are mobile by nature, they prefer platforms like text messages or push notifications to stay informed. By catering to their preferences, organizations can ensure that communications are timely and accessible, enhancing engagement.

2. Empower Managers as Communicators

Managers play a crucial role in direct communication. With 42% of deskless employees favoring updates from their superiors, training managers to be effective communicators and giving them the right tools can bridge the gap between management and deskless teams.

3. Utilize Intelligent Delivery Systems

One of the most effective ways to streamline communication is by ensuring that employees receive the right information at the right time. Intelligent delivery systems can optimize how messages are sent out, making them more relevant and reducing the risk of critical updates being missed.

Future-Ready Workforce

Ensuring that deskless workers receive relevant, timely communication is vital as organizations adapt to the upheaval of the digital age. Missed opportunities in training, upskilling, and wellness initiatives can have long-lasting repercussions, diminishing the potential for a agencies to thrive. Alvino reinforces the need for organizations to prioritize intelligent communication for empowering resilient and capable teams ready to confront future challenges head-on.

As organizations reevaluate their strategies in this critical transformation era, addressing the notable communication deficits suffered by deskless employees can pave the way for enhanced performance and improved workplace culture.

For more detailed insights and best practices, organizations can review the complete survey results and recommendations provided in the report titled "Navigating the Perfect Storm: Why Communication Gaps are Threatening a Future-Ready Workforce."

Conclusion

The stakes have never been higher for workplaces to modernize their communication practices and ensure inclusivity for all employees, especially deskless workers. By implementing changes based on employee needs, businesses can foster a more connected, engaged, and productive workforce.