Bridging the Gap: How Digital Workplaces Connect Deskless Workers and Build Community
Imagine a workplace where 80% of your employees feel disconnected. That's the reality for many organizations today, with a vast majority of the global workforce falling into the "deskless" category. These are the employees who aren't tethered to a traditional desk and computer setup – the frontline manufacturing workers, the logistics drivers, the remote sales teams, and countless others. How can we ensure these vital team members feel included, informed, and engaged?
Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Brad Rook, Senior Customer Advocacy Manager at Igloo Software, on my livestream, "Talk About Your Community." We dove deep into this very question, exploring how organizations can leverage digital workplaces to foster a sense of community and belonging, especially for deskless workers.
Brad, with his extensive experience in the digital workplace realm, brought some incredible insights to the table. We explored the unique challenges faced by deskless workers and how a well-designed digital workplace can be the key to keeping them engaged, informed, and feeling like a valued part of the organization.
We discussed the importance of:
Accessibility: Ensuring that digital workplaces are easily accessible on mobile devices and through alternative login methods (like tokenization) to accommodate those without company email addresses.
Targeted Information: Delivering relevant information to specific deskless worker segments, whether it's through mobile notifications, digital signage on the factory floor, or curated content hubs.
Engagement & Advocacy: Moving beyond one-way communication by encouraging deskless workers to actively participate in the digital workplace. This could involve sharing ideas, recognizing colleagues, or participating in fun activities like photo contests or recipe sharing (something I've seen work wonders in my own community building projects!).
Brad also shared some compelling examples of organizations that are successfully using digital workplaces to bridge the gap between deskless workers and the rest of the company. From white-glove onboarding programs that provide personalized support to executive leadership teams embracing video messages and online Q&A sessions, it's clear that a thoughtful approach can make a real difference.
This conversation really solidified my belief that digital workplaces are powerful platforms for building connections and creating a sense of belonging in today's increasingly dispersed workforce.
Want to hear more about how to create a thriving digital workplace that works for everyone? Watch the full replay of my conversation with Brad Rook below!
PS: And don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the Clocktower Advisors YouTube channel for more insights on community building!
About Brad Rooke
Brad Rook is a Senior Customer Advocacy Manager with over 25 years of experience focused on customer satisfaction. His background spans diverse roles, from frontline service to consulting, and he's passionate about amplifying customer voices. In his current role, Brad leverages his expertise in project management, relationship building, and advocacy to enhance customer experiences. He's a skilled communicator, delivering engaging webinars and presentations, and is dedicated to ensuring every customer interaction is positive and memorable.
Show Notes
Digital Workplace Experience (0:00): Brad begins with an overview of his experience gained through his career, pivoting from security consultant to customer advocacy. How to support deskless workers as a part of the bigger company is a focus, as well as the increase use of AI and how organizations are utilizing their digital workplace are focus topics.
Challenges of the Deskless Worker (11:56): 80% of workers are now deskless. One of the biggest issues with deskless workers is lack of information due to not having traditional contact points within an organization. Another issue is a higher turnover for a number of reasons, including not feeling involved, not feeling recognized by the organization, and not knowing ways to advance in the organization.
Employee Engagement and Advocacy (21:32): Creating a mobile-first digital workplace is key for deskless workers that are often on the move. There’s no magic bullet, but ease of use can break down barriers, such as sending everyone a cookie decorating kit or hosting costume contests and encouraging employees to share on the digital space. Having a delegation available to bridge any tech gaps by providing education raises adoption and usage on the platform.
Executive Leadership and Early Adoption (35:29): Providing and showcasing value can lead to higher adoption of digital workplaces amongst executive leadership. The mobile-first approach will reach employees who are traditionally harder to reach. Introducing the digital workplace as early as employee training increases usage.
