Tools, Tech Aid Retention of Frontline Workers

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Employee experience plays a critical role in the retention of frontline workers, according to a new study by Workday. The study, “Frontline Workers: How to Connect, Enable and Support Them in the Modern Workplace,” found these employees want access to the right tools and technology in order to feel a sense of belonging, and of being supported by their managers.

Despite the fact that 20% of frontline workers plan to change jobs within the next three to six months, 79% of those who report feeling a sense of belonging at work have no plans to leave their employer. Workday said this shows how essential engagement is to efforts aimed at retaining frontline workers.

In contrast, workers who did not report feeling a sense of belonging were four times more likely to say their mental health and wellbeing has declined in the last year, while just 33% said they intend to stay with their current employer.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

One of the biggest factors contributing to engagement and retention was a supportive employer or manager. Workday’s study showed the majority of frontline workers (80%) who said their manager understands and regularly supports them indicates they are happy in their job and have no plans to leave. However, of workers who don’t have their manager’s support, only 20% say they are happy in their current role.

Having access to tools and technology was also cited as a reason to stay at a job. For instance, workers with flexible scheduling tools were 71% more likely to say their company is open and transparent.

“The last few years have placed a significant amount of pressure and demand on frontline workers,” said Mariana Santiago, Workday’s general manager of workforce and payroll. “The survey uncovered that experience is at the very core of frontline worker engagement and retention. Organizations that listen to the evolving needs and preferences of frontline workers, empower them with the tools to do their job​​​​​ and support them when it matters most will flip the script and dramatically increase their ability to recruit and retain this workforce.”

Image: iStock

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