2022 has seen a rise in frontline workers seeking to unionize – more so than in recent years. The causes seem to reflect the trigger behind the “Great Resignation”, which stems from a sense of feeling disenfranchised. Also known as feeling disengaged from the workplace.
Organizations can address this, particularly for their frontline workers, by improving the employee experience.
Let’s take a quick look at history. As far back as the mid-1700s, the topic of unions rose out of a need to protect the common interests of workers. Safer working conditions, reasonable working hours, and better wages were all at the top of the list.
Translate this into today’s world, and safer working conditions becomes ‘of course!’ Reasonable working hours translates to flexible working hours. And better wages are practically a non-issue. While it’s true that everyone wants to make more money, what workers really want is to feel valued and happy at work.
To back this up, how many times have you heard of someone leaving a job for greener pastures, only to find out that those greener pastures may have meant more money, but also less than satisfying working conditions.
The underlying need is for organizations to develop a workforce-first corporate culture. We’ve said it before and have no problem saying it again: as a company, your biggest asset is your workforce.
Don’t value your employees and you’ll see it in their commitment, or rather, lack of commitment.
Value your employees and you’ll be rewarded ten-fold with a happy and engaged team, and strong employee retention rate. That in itself is a great strategy for overcoming the labor shortage that’s affecting all industries across the globe.
Putting value on your workforce is common sense yet not always easy to attain. Specifically, when you don’t have the right tools in place. Historically, organizations have faced the challenge of not being able to communicate directly with their workforce. As well, it’s not uncommon for employees to work in an environment where there isn’t a system in place that lets them easily ask questions or inquire about the information they need to do their jobs efficiently.
When it comes to providing your frontline with the tools they need and at the same time, showing them that you value their work and contribution within your organization, HOW do you communicate this to them while opening the door for their feedback when you have no clear and direct way to reach out?
How do you know how to make someone happy if you’re not hearing them or understanding their needs?
Needs. Let’s talk about that for a minute. While the labor movement introduced unions to meet the needs of workers, what do you think is the one thing that any workforce needs to efficiently do their job? Answer: the right digital tools to help ensure both efficiency and productivity.
Whether your frontline is helping customers find the perfect shoes for their sister’s wedding or ensuring the quality control of your make-to-order parts, frontline workers have needs. Fulfilling those needs is your opportunity to build a happy and engaged frontline.
If you’re nodding your head in agreement right now, you’re going to love WorkJam’s Digital Frontline Workplace. WorkJam revolutionizes the way HQs and their frontline work together by combining two-way communication, task management, onboarding, learning, scheduling tools, and more – all on one app.
But wait! We haven’t told you the best part yet.
WorkJam works on your frontline’s personal device. No need for a computer or corporate email address.
What’s more, WorkJam is available in over 45 languages and comes complete with inline translations to help bridge language barriers. Do you remember the communication breakdown we mentioned earlier? With WorkJam all we can say is ‘what communication breakdown?’
The verdict is in.
If you want a happier and engaged frontline, you need to support them with the tools they need to feel valued while providing them with opportunities to learn in the flow of their daily activities. This not only boosts their competencies, but also their confidence and sense of self-fulfilment at work.
WorkJam even allows your frontline to manage their own schedules when life happens (like that sister’s wedding we mentioned) or when they want to work a few extra hours, whether at their home location or another location that has a gap in workers for specific shifts.
With WorkJam, everybody wins!
For more info, or to take a test drive, click here to WorkJam your frontline today!
PS. No elephants were harmed in the writing of this post! Who would want to hurt an elephant anyway? Yes, they’re friendly and powerful (a little like WorkJam). They’re also cute and smart. Don’t you agree?
