“Viewpoint” is a new series of opinion posts from WorkSync that spotlight our take on the big ideas affecting today’s workforce and businesses.

Did you know that 80% of the global workforce — 2.7 billion people — is “deskless”?

These are the hardworking individuals who provide our essential goods and services, run our manufacturing plants, and staff our health care facilities — even during a pandemic, when many desk-based employees have been able to do their jobs from home.

But as employers and leaders, are we taking care of our deskless front-liners? Are we doing our best to keep them connected, engaged, and empowered? Unfortunately, the evidence would seem to say no.

Research shows that only 56% of deskless workers in the United States feel connected and engaged by their employers, according to a recent piece in Forbes. Moreover, 84% say they don’t receive enough direct communication from upper management, and a mere 10% feel strongly connected to their companies.

This poses a serious challenge. If our deskless employees burn out and drop out, where does that leave the countless businesses that rely on them to remain in operation? And what about the millions of Americans who depend on these businesses for critical products and services? The ripple effect is powerful and painful.

All is not lost, however, because the solution to this pressing problem lies right in front of our faces. What it is? Technology, of course. Specifically, mobile workforce software.

When workers are out in the field or spread among various locations or facilities — rather than all together in one centralized workspace — it’s no wonder they often start to feel isolated and disconnected. This is where mobile technology can change the game.

A mobile solution enables employees to stay in constant communication with each other and with management, so they’re always kept in the loop and in the know. It can be a one-stop shop for time and attendance tasks, shift scheduling, benefits information, team kudos, and more — everything you get in a physical workplace, but now in the palm of your hand. So that even when staff are geographically dispersed, they’re still together.

It’s ironic that so much workforce software is geared toward employees with desktops when the vast majority of our labor force aren’t at desks at all. Indeed, it’s high time we remedy this discrepancy by empowering our deskless workers with the tools they need to feel engaged and connected and to thrive.

Because they’re counting on us — and even more so, we’re counting on them.

WorkSync offers leading workforce management solutions for your organization. Learn more and request a demo today at workSync.com.__