What are deskless workers and why is effective communication important?

Common communication challenges for deskless workers

Deskless workers face a unique set of communication challenges that can hinder their productivity, safety, and overall engagement.

Lack of access to corporate communication tools

One of the primary challenges is the lack of access to corporate email and communication tools that are commonly used in office environments. Many deskless workers rely on personal devices or have limited access to computers, making it difficult to receive important updates, announcements, and training materials.

Inability to attend meetings or training sessions

Deskless workers often have irregular schedules or work in remote locations, making it challenging to participate in traditional in-person meetings or training programs. This can lead to missed opportunities for professional development, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with colleagues.

Language barriers and varying literacy levels

In industries with a diverse workforce, such as hospitality, retail, and construction, employees may speak different languages or have varying levels of reading and writing proficiency. This can make it difficult to convey important information effectively and ensure that everyone understands the message.

The impact of poor communication on deskless workers

Poor communication with deskless workers can have severe consequences on various aspects of business operations.

Missing important information and updates

Deskless workers often operate in dynamic environments where changes in procedures, safety protocols, or operational guidelines can occur frequently. Without effective communication channels, these workers may not receive critical updates promptly, leading to potential errors, inefficiencies, or safety hazards.

Decreased productivity and efficiency

Deskless workers rely on clear instructions, task assignments, and coordination to perform their duties effectively. If communication is lacking or unclear, workers may waste time seeking clarification or make mistakes that require rework, ultimately hindering their productivity and efficiency.

4 Key features of effective communication tools for deskless workers

Effective communication tools for deskless workers must be designed with their unique needs and challenges in mind.

Here are the 4 key features you need when selecting the right communication tool for your deskless workforce:

1. Mobile-friendly

One of the most crucial features is mobile-friendliness and accessibility on personal devices. Deskless workers are constantly on the move, and their primary means of communication is often their personal smartphones or tablets. Tools that are optimized for mobile use, with intuitive interfaces and responsive designs, ensure that important information is easily accessible anytime, anywhere.

2. Ability to communicate in real-time

Another critical feature is the ability to send targeted, real-time updates and alerts. Deskless workers need to stay informed about important developments, safety protocols, schedule changes, and other time-sensitive information. Communication tools should allow managers and supervisors to quickly disseminate updates and alerts to specific teams, locations, or individuals, ensuring that the right information reaches the right people at the right time.

3. Multimedia support

Support for multimedia content, such as images, videos, and audio, is also essential. Visual aids and multimedia can significantly enhance the comprehension and retention of information, especially for workers with diverse language backgrounds or varying literacy levels. Tools that enable the sharing of multimedia content can help convey complex instructions, safety procedures, or training materials more effectively.

Future trends and innovations in deskless worker communication

The future of communication for deskless workers is poised to undergo significant advancements driven by emerging technologies:

• Wearable devices and IoT solutions: Wearables like smartwatches and augmented reality (AR) glasses can provide hands-free access to critical information, enabling deskless workers to receive updates and instructions without interrupting their workflow. IoT sensors and beacons can also be integrated into the work environment, enabling real-time location tracking, safety monitoring, and automated communication based on contextual data.
• AR and VR: AR can overlay digital information onto the physical world, allowing workers to access visual instructions, safety guidelines, or real-time data while performing their tasks. VR can create immersive training environments, enabling deskless workers to practice scenarios and develop skills in a risk-free virtual setting.
• 5G technology: The adoption of 5G technology is expected to revolutionize connectivity for deskless workers, particularly in remote or rural areas. With faster data speeds and lower latency, 5G will enable seamless real-time communication, video streaming, and data transfer, even in locations with limited infrastructure. This improved connectivity will unlock new possibilities for remote collaboration, remote assistance, and access to information for deskless workers in the field.
• Artificial intelligence: AI and chatbots are also poised to play a significant role in enhancing communication for deskless workers. AI-powered chatbots can provide instant access to information, answer common queries, and guide workers through processes or troubleshooting steps. Additionally, AI can be leveraged to analyze communication patterns, identify areas for improvement, and provide personalized recommendations for more effective communication strategies.

As these technologies continue to evolve and become more accessible, they will empower deskless workers with unprecedented levels of connectivity, information access, and collaboration capabilities, ultimately driving productivity, safety, and engagement within the mobile workforce.