The Deskless Pulse

The essential resource for frontline worker insights in South Africa.

Purpose

Why the Deskless Pulse exists

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.

Download every report for free

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 Worker Pulse 2024 report cover, an aerial night photograph of a Johannesburg rail yard

    Download the 2024 Deskless Pulse

    Leave your details and the report downloads straight away.

  • The Deskless Worker Pulse 2025 report cover, a map of South Africa drawn in pink and blue dots on crimson

    Download the 2025 Deskless Pulse

    Leave your details and the report downloads straight away.

  • The Deskless Worker Pulse 2026 report cover, a rising and falling line of blue dots on navyComing soon
    Join the waitlist

Why people are paying attention

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

Insights from the 2025 report

A retail assistant laughing on the shop floor of a clothing store, rails of jeans and T-shirts behind her

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

Your frontline may be under pressure, but we're here to help.

Book a demo and we'll show you how.

Book a demo