The Deskless Pulse
The essential resource for frontline worker insights in South Africa.
The essential resource for frontline worker insights in South Africa.
The Deskless Pulse is Jem's annual research study into the lives of South Africa's frontline workers, built from thousands of direct responses. It's a white paper for the leaders who employ them: practical, measurable and honest about what the frontline actually needs.
Get Jem's annual white-paper report into the realities of South Africa's frontline workforce, and their money, stresses and ambitions. Now in its third year, and the largest listening exercise of its kind: 14,700 voices and counting.
The Deskless Pulse is built from thousands of direct survey responses. It's an indispensable white paper for the leaders who employ them: practical, measurable and honest about what the frontline actually needs. And it's 100% free to download.
14,700
People surveyed across three years
500%
Study growth since 2024
8
Frontline sectors covered
More than nine in ten frontline workers enjoy their jobs. But the majority have nothing at all to fall back on.
30%
Cite unreliable transport as their biggest workplace stressor.
92%
Of frontline workers say they enjoy their job and take genuine pride in it.
“Life is so difficult and the economy is bad out there. Without this job I'm nothing. My work place is the only place that makes my kids to eat, get clothes and go to school.”
Male factory worker, Age 35-44
35%
female
2024
54%
female
2025
54%
female
2026
19% more female voices in 2026
Our survey sample was two-thirds male in 2024. This year's survey reached more retail and cleaning workers, who are more often women.
Book a demo and we'll show you how.
