There has been a robust discussion about the future of work in the United States and it is clear that we are on the verge of a truly transformational time. Technology has progressed with great levels of innovation to bring a diverse working population around the world much closer together. This is disrupting the perception of the “office” and its standing within the culture of work. The gig economy started this transformation, as a break away from the traditional employment model.
The promise, ultimately, is a flexible schedule that does not sacrifice the ability to maintain an income that supports a desired standard of living. The next evolutionary step in disrupting employment models takes the lessons learned from the flexibility workers gained from the gig economy and now applies them to industries far and wide
In September 2019, Quinyx conducted a research surveying more than 4,000 U.S. employed Americans over the age of 18 working in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Here are the 3 key takeaways from this U.S. research on the deskless workforce:
1. What are happy employees?
It’s a simple question with a complex answer. With a workforce as diverse as the US deskless workforce where employees find passion and motivation in different perks, benefits, privileges and pursuits. Employee satisfaction does not equate to happy employees, as the calculus to land on Happy needs to look at employee engagement and productivity. Engagement begets productivity begets revenue begets growth begets new opportunities.
The global crisis in employee engagement is costing companies $7 trillion in productivity. Figures from Gallup found an actively disengaged employee costs their organization 34% of their annual salary and, with only 15% of employees describe themselves as being actively engaged at work, the cost for businesses is spiraling out of control. Disengaged employees lead to turnover, an already problematic trait of the deskless workforce
Signs of disengaged employees In numbers:
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57% of the US deskless workers are somewhat motivated to not at all motivated at work
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65% said that creating a fun and productive culture is somewhat challenging or very challenging
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73% of Gen Z’ers plan to leave their current job within two years
2. What does having flexibility mean?
Within the realm of the deskless workforce, flexibility comes from freedom from the inertia or friction of being able to do work. Understanding these limiting forces are outdated processes and a lack of technology that is in line with the user expectations of the workforce. In the case of a multi-generational workforce, technology vendors need to build an experience that is savvy enough for younger generations as it is easy to use for older generations.
In numbers:
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92% of employees enjoy having flexibility in their schedule
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59% of employees believe flexibility is a right, not a benefit
3. How optimized workforce management can contribute to a Happy Workforce
Employee flexibility is all too often equated with lower productivity and increased costs. In particular, business owners and managers fear logistical headaches and wasted hours spent wrestling over spreadsheets.
At Quinyx, we believe the opposite to be true. With the right tools and technology in place, flexible working can allow businesses to improve productivity, save time, reduce costs, improve employee retention and boost employee happiness. It may seem like keeping workers to a rigid schedule will keep them productive, but data says that the opposite is true.
This means that it is vital that employers get flexible working right. Top of the list is recognizing the need for true flexibility for everyone – including those that make up the often-forgotten workforces, such as deskless workers. Not only do workers say that flexibility makes them more productive – they view it as a right. Putting power back in the employee’s hands by giving them flexibility will ultimately make for a happier, more productive workforce that is more dedicated and less likely to turnover.
In numbers:
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85% of workers believe a more flexible work schedule makes them more productive
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An overwhelmingly high percentage of workers believe Flexibility is more valuable than health benefits
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When looking for a new job, Gen Z sees flexibility (72%) as more important than work culture (49%), health benefits (39%) and employee discount (29%).
