In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace culture, a significant portion of the workforce often remains in the shadows of corporate attention: the deskless workers. O.C. Tanner, an employee recognition and workplace culture firm, sheds light on this overlooked demographic in its 2024 Global Culture Report. The report, based on data from over 42,000 employees and leaders across 27 countries, reveals a startling reality about these workers, who form the backbone of many organizations.
Employees Without Desks Need Love, Too
Deskless workers, constituting nearly four-fifths of the global workforce, are those who spend the majority of their time away from traditional office settings. They are the on-the-ground staff, the movers and shakers who keep the wheels of industries turning, yet they often feel underappreciated and overlooked.
O.C. Tanner’s report highlights that these workers, crucial to the success of their organizations, frequently lack access to opportunities, technology, and autonomy in their work. This disparity not only affects their morale but also impacts the overall efficiency and success of the organization.
Rethinking Engagement
The findings of the report underscore a critical need for organizations to rethink how they engage with this majority of their workforce. It’s not just about providing resources like an on-site health center; it’s also about ensuring systems and expectations are in place to allow these workers to actually use such facilities.
The challenge lies in creating more equity in access and enablement, especially within organizations that have a divided structure between desk-bound and deskless employees.
As we move into 2024, leaders are beginning to recognize the importance of prioritizing the experience of deskless workers. This requires a thoughtful, intentional approach and, in some cases, a dash of creativity. It’s about reimagining the employee experience to be inclusive of all, regardless of where or how they work.
Being Inclusive with All Employees
The shift toward a more inclusive approach to employee engagement and recognition isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s also a strategic move. By ensuring that the 80%—the deskless majority—aren’t just seen but also heard and enabled, organizations can unlock a new level of productivity, loyalty, and overall workplace satisfaction.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.
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