The traditional office setting is no longer the sole domain for productivity and engagement. With the rise of remote work and deskless roles across various industries, HR leaders are faced with the challenge of effectively managing and engaging a dispersed workforce. In this blog post, we'll explore strategies for keeping a deskless workforce engaged and discuss methods for measuring productivity and engagement in this unique context.

Understanding the Deskless Workforce

First and foremost, it's essential to understand the dynamics of a deskless workforce. These employees, such as field service technicians, healthcare professionals, retail staff, and many others, often operate outside of a traditional office setting. They may not have access to a computer throughout the day or a dedicated workspace to call their own. As such, engaging them requires a different approach compared to office-based employees.

Cultivating Engagement

1. Clear Communication Channels: Establishing clear and consistent communication channels is paramount for engaging a deskless workforce. Utilize mobile-friendly communication tools such as messaging apps, email newsletters, or internal social media platforms to keep employees informed and connected.
2. Provide Training and Development Opportunities: Invest in training and development programs tailored to the needs of deskless workers. Offer mobile-friendly training modules or workshops that can be accessed on the go, enabling employees to enhance their skills and stay motivated.
3. Recognition and Feedback: Recognize and appreciate the efforts of deskless employees regularly. Whether it's a simple thank-you message or a formal recognition program, acknowledging their contributions fosters a sense of belonging and motivation.
4. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Offer flexibility in scheduling and work arrangements whenever possible. Deskless employees often have unique scheduling needs, so accommodating their preferences can significantly impact their engagement and job satisfaction.
5. Promote Team Collaboration: Facilitate opportunities for deskless employees to collaborate and connect with their peers. This can be achieved through virtual team meetings, online forums, or team-building activities designed for remote participation.

Measuring Productivity and Engagement

While measuring productivity and engagement in a deskless workforce presents its challenges, it's not impossible. Here are some effective methods for evaluating performance and engagement:

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Identify specific KPIs relevant to the roles and responsibilities of deskless employees. These could include metrics such as customer satisfaction scores, service response times, sales performance, or completion rates for tasks or assignments.
2. Employee Feedback Surveys: Conduct regular surveys to gather feedback from deskless employees regarding their job satisfaction, engagement levels, and any challenges they may be facing. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions.
3. Utilize Technology: Leverage technology solutions such as mobile apps or workforce management platforms to track employee activities and performance in real-time. These tools can provide valuable insights into productivity levels, task completion rates, and overall performance.
4. Quality of Work: Evaluate the quality of work delivered by deskless employees through customer feedback, peer reviews, or performance assessments. Assessing the quality of output alongside productivity metrics provides a more holistic view of employee performance.
5. Employee Retention and Turnover Rates: Monitor employee retention and turnover rates within the deskless workforce. High turnover rates may indicate underlying issues with engagement or job satisfaction that need to be addressed.

Conclusion

Managing a deskless workforce requires a proactive approach to engagement and performance measurement. By prioritizing clear communication, providing development opportunities, and implementing effective measurement strategies, HR leaders can foster a culture of engagement and accountability among deskless employees. Embracing technology and leveraging data-driven insights are essential steps towards maximizing productivity and engagement in this diverse and dynamic workforce.As HR leaders navigate the evolving landscape of remote and deskless work, adopting innovative strategies and practices will be key to driving success and ensuring the well-being of all employees, regardless of their work environment.

Schedule a demo and learn how Praisidio's people analytics platform can help you measure productivity and engagement of your diskless workforce.