Understanding the Deskless Worker: Key Challenges and Communications Needs

Did you know that 80% of the global workforce—the people driving industries like healthcare, retail, and logistics—work without a desk? These deskless employees often play crucial roles in your organizations, yet they often face outdated tools, fragmented communication, and unnecessary hurdles that make their jobs harder than they should be.

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Think of your retail associates juggling tasks without clear updates, your field technicians struggling with outdated software, or your warehouse staff navigating inefficiencies. These challenges don't just lower employees’ morale but also impact productivity, engagement, and your goals as an organization.

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In this blog, we’ll dive into the unique challenges deskless employees face and explore strategies to meet their communication and connectivity needs. By addressing these issues, you can boost engagement, reduce turnover, and utilize the full potential of your workforce. Let's get started!    

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Who Are Your Deskless Employees? 

Deskless employees are the ones who work away from typical office setups. Unlike traditional office workers who operate from fixed desks with computers, they perform their duties in dynamic environments where mobility, physical tasks, or customer interaction play a major role.  

Deskless employees ensure the day-to-day functioning of industries that power economies and societies. They’re the ones delivering parcels, attending to patients, assembling products, and welcoming guests at hotels. Without their presence, businesses would struggle to deliver services or maintain operations. 

Industries That Rely on Deskless Employees

• Healthcare: Think of nurses, paramedics, and caregivers. They deliver life-saving care while working in hospitals, clinics, or patients' homes. 
• Retail: Sales associates, cashiers, and stockroom workers form the customer-facing front of the retail sector. 
• Manufacturing: Workers on assembly lines or factory floors ensure products are built, tested, and delivered on time. 
• Construction: Builders, electricians, and plumbers handle the hands-on work needed to create infrastructure and maintain utilities. 
• Hospitality: Hotel staff, chefs, and servers provide seamless customer experiences, whether in restaurants or resorts. 
• Logistics and Delivery: Couriers, drivers, and warehouse workers form the lifeline of supply chains and e-commerce. 
• Education and Training: Teachers and trainers working in classrooms or outdoor setups are also deskless employees, shaping minds outside office spaces.

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Despite being a majority among various industries deskless workers face several challenges that may affect their morale, performance, and eventually your business goals as well.  

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9 Challenges Faced by Deskless Employees And Their Solutions 

Deskless employees face various communication challenges due to their roles and environments, which can significantly impact productivity, safety, and job satisfaction. Below are some of the most common communication challenges they encounter and strategies to overcome them: 

1. Limited Access to Communication Tools

Deskless employees may not have regular access to email, computers, or other office-based communication tools, making it hard to receive updates or share feedback. This can lead to confusion, lower productivity, and disengagement. When employees don't stay informed, their ability to perform effectively is compromised.  

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Solution:

• Use mobile-friendly communication apps or customized workforce management tools.
• Provide company-issued devices if possible or ensure apps work on personal devices securely.

2. Delayed or Missing Updates

Critical information, such as schedule changes, policy updates, or safety protocols, may not reach deskless employees promptly. Delayed communication can lead to an increase in avoidable mistakes. Lack of insights and best practices shared among corporate teams can impact performance and organizational goals. 

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Solution:

• Implement real-time notifications via SMS or app alerts.
• Use digital signage or bulletin boards in common areas to display updates.

3. Language Barriers

When you have diverse teams, language differences can lead to misunderstandings or missed instructions. Misunderstood messages are as good as no communication. This causes delays in work and mistakes on employees’ end. 

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Solution:

• Use translation features in communication apps.
• Provide training and documents in multiple languages spoken by the workforce.

4. Lack of Feedback Loops

Being in remote locations where meetings are either delayed or hard to attend altogether can leave deskless employees out of important conversations. They may feel exempted from decision-making processes or struggle to voice their concerns.  

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Solution:

• Conduct regular surveys or feedback sessions via mobile apps.
• Encourage open-door policies or assign team leads to gather and share input.

5. Isolation and Disconnection

Improper, unclear communication may make deskless employees feel excluded from company culture and broader organizational goals. This disconnection hinders the sense of community and could be a cause of stress among the employees. 

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Solution:

• Share company updates and success stories through videos or newsletters accessible on mobile devices.
• Arrange periodic team meetings or social events to foster connection.

6. Safety Risks Due to Poor Communication

Deskless workers often operate in environments with physical risks—construction sites, warehouses, and more. Lack of clear, timely communication can lead to accidents or unsafe practices. In industries where safety is a top priority, failing to communicate effectively can lead to accidents, injuries, or worse. A communication breakdown can have serious consequences that could easily be avoided with better tools.  

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Solution:

• Use wearable devices or mobile apps to send safety alerts.
• Conduct regular safety drills and provide clear, visual safety instructions.

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7. Information Overload

Receiving too much information at once can be overwhelming for deskless workers who need to focus on their tasks. There’s a possibility that important messages might get lost in crowded inboxes or overlooked. 

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Solution:

• Prioritize and segment communication based on relevance to roles.
• Use concise messaging with actionable steps.

8. Scheduling Conflicts

Miscommunication or lack of clarity around shifts and schedules can lead to confusion, missed workdays, or understaffed shifts. This disrupts operations and causes frustration among both employees and managers.  

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Solution:

Implement automated scheduling tools with self-service features for workers to check and swap shifts.

9. Technological Resistance or Skill Gaps

Some workers may resist using new communication technologies or lack the skills to use them effectively. If your organization depends on complex technological solutions for important operations and updates, this might be a concern. 

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Solution:

• Provide simple, user-friendly tools and offer basic training sessions.
• Involve workers in the selection process to ensure buy-in. 

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By understanding these challenges, you can create stronger communication systems. Supporting deskless employees ensures they stay informed, safe, and connected. What if there was one platform to solve all these problems at once with no hassle? Sounds perfect right? Udext is the ultimate solution in that case.        

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Drive Success for Your Deskless Employees With Udext 

Addressing the challenges faced by deskless employees is important to ensure harmony, and growth. With the right tools and strategies, you can bridge the gaps effectively. Udext provides comprehensive solutions tailored specifically to the needs of deskless employees, empowering them to overcome these obstacles. Here’s how Udext turns out to be the ultimate solution:   

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• Keep Your Workforce Connected: With Udext's instant messaging and real-time alerts, deskless employees stay informed and connected no matter where they are. From critical updates to everyday announcements, communication flows seamlessly.
• Boost Engagement, Reduce Turnover: You can build stronger relationships with your employees through regular and meaningful communication. Udext helps you nurture engagement and a sense of belonging, ensuring a more loyal workforce. You can easily create groups and broadcasts based on specific departments to ensure that employees get only the messages that they should; keeping inboxes clutter free! 
• Ensure Safety and Responsiveness: Send urgent notifications and safety alerts instantly through Udext's platform. Employees can also share critical updates in real time, creating a safer and more responsive work environment.
• Speak Every Employee’s Language: Udext provides automatic translation in over 100 languages, making communication inclusive and personalized. Whether it’s training materials or critical updates, every message is clear and accessible to your diverse workforce.
• Gather Valuable Insights Effortlessly: Create and distribute surveys easily to gather feedback and insights using message and survey templates. Udext’s high-response-rate surveys empower you to understand your team better and take informed actions.
• Streamline Communication with Automation: Save time by scheduling recurring messages, setting up automated replies, and sending thoughtful texts like birthday wishes. Udext ensures consistent, hassle-free communication.
• Gain Insights with Real-Time Analytics: Monitor and measure your communication efforts with Udext’s analytics. Get detailed metrics on message delivery, response rates, and more to sharpen your strategies. 

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Conclusion

Deskless employees play a vital role in driving industries forward, yet many of the challenges that they face often go unnoticed. Bridging the communication and connectivity gaps they face is essential for creating a thriving and inclusive workplace.

By leveraging innovative solutions like Udext, organizations can address these challenges head-on. From establishing smooth real-time communication to ensuring safety and inclusivity, the right tools can empower your deskless workforce to perform at their best while feeling valued and connected.

Investing in your deskless employees isn’t just good for them but also a smart move for your business. Take the first step today, and discover how Udext works to support and engage your workforce. A more connected future is just a click away!

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