As Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) enters the workforce in large numbers, businesses face new challenges in attracting, retaining, and engaging these young workers, especially in deskless jobs. This article explores the nature of deskless work, its particular challenges for Gen Z, and provides practical strategies for employers to effectively integrate this generation into their workforce.
Understanding Deskless Work
Deskless work encompasses a wide range of jobs that don’t involve sitting at a desk in a traditional office setting. These roles are prevalent in industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and construction. Deskless workers make up about 80% of the global workforce, performing essential functions that keep our economy and society running.
Characteristics of deskless work often include:
- Physical labor or standing for long periods
- Direct interaction with customers or patients
- Operation of machinery or equipment
- Work in non-office environments like factories, stores, or outdoors
- Shift-based schedules, sometimes including nights and weekends
- Limited access to company-wide communication channels and technology
Why Deskless Work is Challenging for Gen Z
Generation Z brings a unique set of expectations and attitudes to the workplace, many of which can clash with the traditional nature of deskless jobs. Here’s why these roles can be particularly challenging for this generation:
- Technology Disconnect: As digital natives, Gen Z has grown up with technology deeply integrated into their lives. They expect the same level of technological integration in their work. However, many deskless jobs lag behind in adopting modern tech solutions. This disconnect can lead to frustration and a sense of being “cut off” from the digital world they’re accustomed to.
- Communication Barriers: Gen Z prefers digital communication methods like instant messaging and social media. In deskless environments, communication often relies more on face-to-face interactions or traditional methods like notice boards, which may feel outdated and inefficient to younger workers.
- Lack of Flexibility: Many deskless jobs require strict adherence to set schedules and physical presence at a specific location. This rigidity can conflict with Gen Z’s desire for work-life balance and flexible working arrangements.
- Limited Career Progression Visibility: Deskless roles often have less obvious career paths compared to office-based jobs. Gen Z, being ambitious and growth-oriented, may struggle to see long-term career prospects in these positions.
- Reduced Opportunities for Continuous Learning: Gen Z values continuous learning and skill development. Deskless jobs may offer fewer obvious opportunities for ongoing education and professional development compared to office-based roles.
- Disconnect from Company Culture: Deskless workers, often physically separated from company headquarters and management, may feel less connected to the overall company culture and mission. This can be particularly challenging for Gen Z, who tend to seek purpose and meaning in their work.
- Physical Demands: Many deskless jobs involve physical labor or long periods of standing. Gen Z, accustomed to digital interactions, may find the physical demands of these roles challenging or unappealing.
- Work-Life Integration: Gen Z often seeks to integrate work with other aspects of their lives seamlessly. The clear separation between work and personal life that often comes with deskless jobs can be a source of frustration.
Strategies for Engaging Gen Z in Deskless Jobs
Given these challenges, it’s crucial for businesses to adapt their approaches to make deskless work more appealing and engaging for Gen Z employees. Here are some strategies:
Embracing Technology
To bridge the technology gap, businesses should invest in digital solutions specifically designed for deskless workers. Mobile apps for scheduling, task management, and communication can help Gen Z feel more connected and in control of their work. Providing tablets or smartphones for work use can also enhance their ability to access information and stay connected with the broader organization.
Reimagining Communication
Implement digital communication platforms that allow for instant messaging, video calls, and information sharing. These tools can help deskless Gen Z workers feel more connected to their colleagues and the company as a whole. Regular digital town halls or video updates from management can also help bridge the gap between deskless workers and company leadership.
Offering Flexible Work Arrangements
While the nature of deskless work often requires on-site presence, there may be ways to introduce elements of flexibility. This could include allowing employees to have some control over their schedules, offering split shifts, or implementing a self-scheduling system where workers can pick up or swap shifts easily through a mobile app.
Creating Clear Career Pathways
Develop and communicate clear career progression routes for deskless roles. This might involve creating intermediate positions between entry-level and management, offering leadership training programs, or providing opportunities to move between different departments or locations.
Prioritizing Learning and Development
Implement a robust training and development program that goes beyond initial onboarding. This could include micro-learning modules delivered via smartphone, virtual reality training for complex tasks, or partnerships with online learning platforms to offer a wide range of courses.
Fostering a Strong Company Culture
Make concerted efforts to include deskless workers in company culture initiatives. This could involve regular team-building activities, creating opportunities for deskless workers to contribute ideas for improving processes, or implementing a robust recognition program that celebrates the contributions of frontline workers.
Emphasizing Purpose and Impact
Clearly communicate how deskless roles contribute to the company’s mission and impact society. Gen Z values purpose-driven work, so highlighting the importance and influence of their roles can increase engagement and job satisfaction.
Addressing Physical Demands
Where possible, invest in ergonomic equipment and technologies that can reduce the physical strain of deskless work. Provide comprehensive wellness programs that support physical and mental health, demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing.
The Future of Deskless Work and Gen Z
Engaging Gen Z in deskless work presents unique challenges, but also opportunities for innovation in workforce management. By adapting traditional deskless work environments to meet the needs of the Gen Z workforce, employers can create more engaging, satisfying, and productive work experiences.
These strategies not only help in attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in deskless jobs but can also lead to overall improvements in efficiency, communication, and employee satisfaction across the organization. As the workforce continues to evolve, businesses that successfully bridge the gap between deskless work and Gen Z expectations will be well-positioned for future success in the changing labor market.