Frontline workers have been hailed as the unsung heroes who have kept the world going especially amidst times like the pandemic. However, despite their unwavering dedication, many of these associates feel that their voices are not being heard by management, and they lack the necessary technological tools and opportunities for career growth. These issues not only affect their personal well-being but also have an impact on the overall safety and performance of their respective industries.
Frontline workers are the backbone of global economies, powering essential services in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, construction, retail, manufacturing, and transportation. Considering that approximately 2.7 billion individuals in this workforce, it is high time that we pay more attention to their needs, safety, and well-being. After all, they are the ones who keep the world moving forward.
Increased focus on researching, addressing their needs and safety has emerged as a subject of discussion but also a driving force for innovation. It is apparent that their needs and safety deserve amplified attention.
Table of contents
- The challenges of frontline workers amidst transformative shifts
- How the technology landscape of frontline workers can be improved
- How improved technology support can enhance safety and productivity for frontline workers
- Innovation comes from Apps which focus on empowering frontline workers
- As we chart a course ahead…
The challenges of frontline workers amidst transformative shifts
However, amidst transformative shifts, these essential workers encountered important challenges. As the world navigated significant digital transformations, these essential workers encountered a technological gap. Despite the swift pace of change, most of these dedicated individuals were left without the necessary technological tools, exacerbating the difficulties they faced.
Among the difficulties faced, the “Great Resignation” phenomenon cast another shadow, burdening frontline employees with immense workloads, inadequate recognition, and stagnant growth opportunities. The strains of navigating fluctuating information, demanding schedules, and safety concerns only added to their burden.
Nonetheless daunting the challenges may seem, a glimmer of hope was sparked by the necessity for understanding the needs of frontline workers. This newfound recognition hints at an emerging trend foreseeing a revitalized emphasis on the frontline workforce in 2023.
This trend, highlighted by Quinyx research, shows the importance of prioritizing the employee experience as the linchpin for success. In a nutshell it signified a turning tide among executive mindsets, acknowledging the need for an employee-centric approach.
How the technology landscape of frontline workers can be improved
Despite the predictions that industries across various sectors are redirecting their efforts towards investing in essential tools, training, and supportive work culture for frontline workers, it is crucial to understand why this shift is important. Frontline workers , are currently only receiving about 1% of their organization’s technology budget. This shows that there is a lack of technological support for frontline workers compared to other employees.
Looking back to 2020, the technology landscape for frontline workers depicted a scenario that still demands attention for improvement and innovation. Dissatisfaction and inadequacy were prevalent. Despite dedicating a significant portion of their work hours to using technology, a staggering 60% of frontline workers expressed discontentment with the tools provided to them. This discrepancy highlights an urgent need for enhancements to better support these workers in their roles.
So let us envision this – what if we could bridge this gap? What if these frontline workers, were provided the right technology to thrive in their roles? Secure collaboration tools enhancing communication, apps for real-time information, or shared calendars to streamline schedules – they’re not just tools, they’re enablers of empowerment.
In addition the impact of this empowerment isn’t confined to just the workers – it reverberates across entire organizations. For plenty organisations providing their frontline workers with necessary tools will be the missing piece that unlocks talent retention, customer satisfaction, and heightened productivity.
How improved technology support can enhance safety and productivity for frontline workers
There is a clear call for empowerment grounded in safety and productivity. A Harvard research survey of 464 business executives highlights a significant deficit in genuinely empowered workforces, with a mere 24% affirming such a status. Furthermore, an overwhelming 86% recognize the crucial need for enhanced technology and insights to support decision-making among frontline workers.
Safety
Technology support tools have play a large role in mitigating risks and reducing potential hazards in the working environments of frontline workers. Specifically, with the integration of innovative technology, such as mobile apps frontline workers can receive immediate assistance during emergencies, adhere to safety protocols more effectively, and swiftly respond to potential dangers.
Productivity
In a survey conducted in 2021 with 1,500 workers, it was shown that 62% acknowledged the significant role of mobile devices in enhancing their productivity Afterall, scheduling shift-based work becomes a cumbersome process, hindering efficiency and causing friction within teams.
As the industries venture into a future that’s increasingly reliant on technology, the call to empower the unsung heroes becomes more urgent. But how exactly do these tools that provide technology support operate?
Innovation comes from Apps which focus on empowering frontline workers
Organisations must prioritise empowering frontline workers by providing them with suitable technology tools that address their specific needs. Implementing secure, flexible collaboration tools can enhance communication, streamline workflows, and bridge the gap between management and frontline staff.
Despite advancements in recent years, there remains a pressing need to enhance safety within heavy industries. Individuals employed in construction, mining, manufacturing, transportation, and the oil & gas sector often encounter height-related risks, confined spaces, potential accidents involving vehicles and machinery, and exposure to hazardous substances.
Embracing technological advancements holds the promise of bolstering workplace safety even in these high-risk environments. The utilization of mobile apps can significantly augment safety protocols, aiding in the management and tracking of safety measures across these industries.
Thus, tools a pivotal role in transforming the frontline work experience. Modernizing workflows, systematising processes, and providing mobile apps for real-time information access can immensely benefit frontline workers.
Lumiform, for example, focuses squarely on the needs of frontline workers, recognizing their pivotal role in various industries. Lumiform is a workflow automation solution desktop and mobile App, which directly addresses challenges of frontline workers by simplifying tasks, improving communication, ensuring consistency, and eliminating manual paperwork. Ultimately, Lumiform’s central focus revolves around supporting and empowering frontline workers to perform their duties effectively in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
As we chart a course ahead…
Frontline jobs aren’t just commonplace, they’re the cornerstone of global employment, projected to constitute 60% of U.S. positions by 2024. The needs by these workers show that effective frontline management is necessary.
Considering that approximately 75% of frontline workers heavily rely on technology for their tasks, optimizing technological processes becomes the catalyst for operational excellence in frontline management. Bridging the technology gap for these indispensable workers isn’t merely a tactical upgrade but rather it signifies a fundamental shift in recognizing and valuing the backbone of every industry.
As we chart a course ahead, the call for further research is crucial. Research has accentuated a substantial gap in understanding the needs of deskless workers among traditional software developers, signaling perhaps an entrepreneurial opportunity.
A new generation of founders equipped with firsthand deskless industry experience is poised to revolutionize the landscape by crafting tailored technology solutions. In the pursuit of progress, it becomes evident that empowering frontline workers isn’t just a technological journey but also a narrative that intertwines recognition, appreciation, and an unwavering commitment to elevate frontline workers.
Envisioning a future where these workers are equipped with suitable technology should be an actionable goal. Bridging the technology gap becomes imperative, not just for operational efficiency but as a fundamental shift in recognizing the backbone of industries worldwide.
Whether it’s enhancing safety protocols through mobile apps or simplifying tasks with intuitive software, the goal remains consistent – to empower those who form the cornerstone of our global economies.
