Deskless Workers and the Remote Work Divide

A recent Gallup poll evaluated the types of flexibility that deskless workers desire, as hybrid work arrangements become more common than fully remote work.

Why it matters: Hybrid work arrangements are now more common than fully remote work policies, according to recent data from Morning Consult. While leaders consider ways to attract employees to the office, they often forget to evaluate how to address the needs of fully on-site employees.

By the numbers: 58% of American workers work fully on-site jobs and cannot do their jobs remotely. Deskless workers have lower engagement rates and limited flexibility compared to remote-capable workers. 

The big picture: Despite not having the option of working remotely, over half of deskless workers say they are “not at all” bothered that other workers can work from home some of the time. However, they still desire more flexibility in their jobs. Deskless workers stated the most appealing flexibility options include the ability to choose which days they work and more PTO and vacation time.

What’s next: Recognizing the constraints faced by frontline workers and finding ways to provide more flexibility through things like scheduling and PTO will go a long way in talent attraction and improving engagement among deskless workers.