Equalizing the Frontline: Why Women Matter

Within the past few years, frontline workers have taken the spotlight, and their value and influence have finally begun to be acknowledged. 

Despite this acknowledgment, however, many organizations still struggle to retain their workers and the labor shortage continues to rise. 

Turning this around requires that employers become hyper aware of what their frontline workers need in order to meet business outcomes. But it’s also important to understand that not every frontline worker is the same—so how do you make sure you don’t miss the mark? 

Women working frontline jobs face multiple challenges such as stagnant salaries, high levels of stress, and less access to paid sick leave. Despite these challenges, they still consider staying in their jobs longer than men.

Women on the frontline

Women make up 52% of the frontline workforce. In fact, one in three jobs held by women have been designated as essential, with heavy representation in the retail, restaurant, travel, and hospitality sectors. 

Wake up, employers! Women comprise a significant portion of your workforce, and it's crucial to recognize their unique needs, interests, and motivations for staying in their jobs. Ignoring the voices of half of your frontline workforce could be a costly mistake that worsens the labor shortage. It's time to give women the respect and attention they deserve and create tailored solutions that keep them happy, healthy, and engaged.

When conducting our State of the Deskless Workforce report, we surveyed frontline employees about their experiences and what they need from their employers.

Here's what women had to say: 

Compared to men, women tend to show more commitment towards staying in their current jobs longer (42% over 37%) and while a lot of organizations can breathe a sigh of relief, organizations should not take their loyalty for granted. The reality is that women report a higher level of stress at work and lower pay leading to higher dissatisfaction, so encouraging them to stay will still require effort. 

It's a sad truth that women—more often than men—are forced to choose between their health and their job, with many being forced to work even when they are sick due to the lack of paid sick leave (33% to 28%). And don't get us started on the inflexibility of work schedules that causes more women (50%) to miss important family milestones or activities that benefit their well-being than men (44%).

To increase retention among women working on the frontline, flexible schedules that allow for women to plan their lives and take the time to rest and participate in activities outside of work are still a necessity. And providing benefits so women can take time off when they’re sick can’t be pushed to the side, especially in industries where women make up the majority of the workforce. 

Understanding and addressing the distinctive needs of women in the workplace is crucial for achieving gender parity in the frontline workforce. Organizations that fail to recognize and address this nuance will be left behind in creating an equitable workplace for all frontline workers.

To read the full State of the Deskless report, click below! 👇