5 Employee Engagement Trends to Watch out for in Deskless Industries

Employee engagement is an important aspect that should be considered in every industry. When it is not prioritized, deskless sectors like manufacturing and retail face unique challenges to keep their workforce engaged.

Deskless workers are often the most affected by the situation because they tend to be overlooked. These employees work tirelessly to keep our communities running smoothly, but despite their critical role, they lack the recognition and support they deserve.

Luckily, companies that are aware of the situation have prioritized employee engagement internally, and they are benefiting significantly from some of its outcomes — namely increased productivity, improved retention, and stronger company culture.

Since employee engagement is becoming a hot topic among companies with deskless workers such as machine operators, assemblers, maintenance technicians, stock clerks, cashiers, and drivers, here are some of the employee engagement trends to watch out for to have an engaged workforce.

1. Mobile-first engagement

   Many deskless employees rely on mobile devices to do their jobs, which is why mobile-first engagement strategies are becoming increasingly important. These include using mobile apps for internal communication so that employees can stay informed about company news and engage with each other in groups.

2. Digital training and development

   Many deskless employees cannot access traditional onboarding, training, and development programs, so turning to digital solutions is trending. Some of the solutions include providing online training courses and creating digital learning platforms that employees can access on their mobile devices.

3. Recognition and feedback

   Since deskless employees often work in isolated environments, providing regular feedback and recognition is important to keep them engaged. Tools like mobile surveys, feedback forms, and recognition programs are increasingly being implemented to keep employees connected and engaged.

4. Employee well-being
   

   Many deskless employees face physical demands and health risks associated with their work, so it is crucial to prioritize their well-being. An increasing number of companies are offering mental health resources and are providing easy access to safety instructions and ergonomic equipment to help prevent injuries.

5. An inclusive and diverse culture
   

   We all know that deskless industries have a diverse workforce, so the importance of creating a culture of inclusion and diversity is essential. Nowadays, some companies have started implementing training and education programs to raise awareness of unconscious biases and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.