Deskless Worker Communication: Strategies for HR Success

Effective deskless worker team communication is essential for organizations that rely on their non-desk workforce. These team members make up a large portion of the global workforce and often face communication challenges due to their work environments and lack of access to traditional communication tools. By understanding and addressing these barriers, organizations can improve team alignment, engagement, productivity, and retention. Tailored strategies for deskless teams help ensure every employee stays informed and included, highlighting the importance of effective communication in the workplace.

Deskless Workers

Deskless workers, who comprise 70-80% of the global workforce, face communication difficulties due to their non-traditional work environments. These team members, often in manufacturing, construction, warehousing, agriculture, and auto dealerships, typically lack regular computer access and have irregular schedules, making communication challenging. They are usually reached via text messages or phone calls instead of company apps, which can lead to feelings of disconnection from the company culture and highlights the need for dedicated communication apps for non-desk employees. The need for real-time information exchange is high, but outdated technology remains a barrier. Engaging deskless teams requires approaches that address these specific challenges. For more information, refer to research by SHRM and findings from Quinyx.

Challenges in Deskless Worker Communication

Deskless workers often struggle to receive timely communications. Their varying schedules can make regular interactions difficult, leading to missed messages and important updates being overlooked. Because they spend up to 90% of their time actively working, there's little opportunity to handle administrative tasks or read messages. Dependence on outdated technology makes communicating with non-desk employees challenging and limits prompt access to necessary information. Without effective communication tools, they might miss critical updates, increasing their sense of isolation from their organizations. Additionally, contacting workers outside of work hours via personal channels can disrupt their personal lives.

These issues hinder communication and impact employee engagement and retention. Addressing these challenges is essential to build a connected and productive deskless workforce.

Effective Communication Strategies for Deskless Teams

To improve communication within deskless teams, focus on mobile-first strategies and centralized communication platforms.

Implement a Mobile-First Approach

Because deskless workers are often on the move, communication solutions must be accessible wherever they are. Implementing a mobile-first approach using SMS allows you to share updates in real time, ensuring that important information and schedules are always available. With SMS communication, workers receive messages promptly without needing internet access or app downloads—a key aspect of SMS communication effectiveness. This method enhances immediate communication and helps increase engagement by keeping employees connected and informed, demonstrating the benefits of SMS text messaging. Implementing effective SMS communication practices enhances your communication strategy.

Adopt a Centralized Communication Platform for HR

A centralized communication platform brings all messages together, simplifying communication for everyone, especially the HR team. These platforms provide features like mass texting services, scheduling tools, file sharing, and feedback mechanisms, which help organize workflows and maintain transparency. By centralizing communications, you can streamline processes, reduce miscommunication, and ensure every employee, regardless of their location, stays informed. This approach also encourages a sense of community by enabling recognition and feedback, contributing to a cohesive and motivated workforce.

By adopting these strategies, you can improve communication within deskless teams, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Best Practices for Communication with Deskless Workers

It's important to adapt communication methods to the specific roles and environments of your deskless employees to effectively onboard non-desk employees.

To reach everyone effectively, use a combination of strategies. Mobile-first solutions, such as SMS, make important information accessible to employees who are constantly moving and need updates in real time—key components of successful communication methods. Encouraging line managers to act as communicators can provide tailored messages that are relevant to individual teams, as they understand the specific needs of their workers.

Technology is crucial in implementing these strategies. Using workforce management solutions that combine scheduling, messaging, and task management in one platform can streamline communications and respect workers' personal time. Creating a digital culture that allows easy access to important information and supports two-way communication helps build engagement among deskless workers, including during onboarding processes where SMS in onboarding can be highly effective.

By adapting communication solutions to fit the specific roles of your deskless employees, you can improve engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction, leading to better overall performance.

SMS-Based Communication for Your Organization

Using SMS communication keeps your deskless workers informed and engaged. Since 98% of text messages are read and the average response time is just 90 seconds, SMS ensures your messages are seen and acted upon quickly. This speed is vital for deskless workers who often don't have access to traditional office tools.

SMS communication doesn't require internet access, downloads, or logins, making it ideal for communication with non-desk employees on the move. Unlike emails that might be overlooked, SMS provides a direct way to reach your workforce, ensuring they receive important updates—highlighting the advantages of text messages vs email. Also, using SMS respects workers' personal time by minimizing unnecessary disruptions, meeting the specific communication needs of deskless roles.

Improve Connection with Your Deskless Workforce

Enhancing communication with your deskless workers is essential. Mobile-first strategies and cost-effective SMS solutions can help engage non-desk workers and increase productivity among your teams. By addressing their specific challenges, including considering their employee onboarding experience, you create an inclusive and connected work environment.

That's where Yourco comes in. As an SMS-based employee app designed for the non-desk workforce, Yourco helps connect your company with your deskless employees. Our platform allows you to send updates, share important information, and receive feedback—all through text messages that your team can access anytime, anywhere. With no need for internet access or app downloads, Yourco makes it easy for your workers to stay connected. By using Yourco's SMS solutions, you can improve team alignment, boost engagement, and achieve better operational outcomes.

Ready to transform your deskless workforce communication? Try Yourco for free today or schedule a demo and see the difference the right workplace communication solution can make in your company.