What is a Deskless Worker & What Unique Challenges Do They Face?

What is a deskless worker? Numbers, examples of deskless jobs, unique challenges and how HR can serve them better – here’s what you need to know about deskless workers in SA

Did you know that the most South African employees – by far – don’t sit behind a desk. They’re out in the field, on site or on the road.

And while they’re less connected than their desk-based counterparts, they’re delivering the crucial infrastructure services that make our civilisation possible.

Deskless workers make up some 80% of the global workforce. That’s 2.7 billion people, or almost a third of the global population. And some 72% of the South African workforce.

And because they’re not in an office or on a computer, HR teams are presented with a unique set of challenges when it comes to managing and maintaining their work and wellness.

Here’s what you need to know about deskless workers in SA and abroad.

What is a Deskless Worker?

A deskless worker is someone whose job is performed away from a traditional office setup. Think truck drivers, security officers, construction workers, miners, cleaning staff, baristas and barbers.

Unlike in-office employees who have desks and workstations, deskless workers work in environments such as farms, factories, and construction sites. Or they’re on their feet providing the skills and services that you enjoy in your leisure time.

These roles require physical presence and require them to be widely geographically dispersed, leaving workers with limited access to tools like email or computers​.

Examples: Industries with Deskless Workers

Deskless workers span multiple industries. And at the end of 2024, Jem did a landmark research survey of over 1,600 deskless workers across South Africa called the Deskless Worker Pulse representing many industries, such as:

• Security: 54% of surveyed deskless workers are in this sector, emphasising its critical role in South Africa​.
• Waste Management and Cleaning: 19% work in this essential but often overlooked industry.
• Factory Work: 14% contribute to manufacturing and industrial operations.
• Transport and Logistics: 10% ensure the movement of goods across the country​.

Other traditionally deskless industries include:

Agriculture Retail Healthcare Hospitality Education Construction Real Estate Mining

How Deskless is Different from Frontline Workers

While all frontline workers are deskless, not all deskless workers are frontline. Frontline workers – a term most of us only got to know during the COVID-19 pandemic – are a subset of deskless employees who directly interact with customers, such as retail staff or nurses.

In contrast, many deskless workers operate behind the scenes, such as truck drivers or factory workers. The distinction lies in the nature of their work rather than their physical location​.

How Many Deskless Workers Are There in South Africa?

Deskless workers make up 72% of South Africa’s workforce, with approximately 18.75 million out of our entire 22 million-strong workforce engaged in deskless roles​.

This demographic skews younger, with 42.2% aged 25–34 and only 16.3% over 45. Additionally, 64.7% of deskless workers are male, reflecting the physical demands and safety risks associated with many of these roles​.

Check out these extremely surprising stats on deskless workers:

Unique Challenges Deskless Workers Face

Deskless workers encounter several challenges due to the nature of their work:

• 33% of workers struggle with unreliable transport, making it difficult to arrive on time and safely every day.
• 27% of workers face stress from unclear communication with their managers or colleagues.
• 20% of workers cite low wages as a significant source of stress, impacting their financial well-being.
• 15% of workers experience challenges when dealing with customers or members of the public.
• 11% of workers are concerned about safety issues related to their work environment.
• 6% of workers report administrative challenges, such as issues with leave, payslips, or insurance, as a source of stress.

Solutions to Better Serve Deskless Teams

Jem is a specialist in employee benefits and HR digitisation for companies with deskless workers in South Africa, offering tailor-made solutions such as, for example, WhatsApp-based employee communications and management instead of email.

To support deskless workers effectively, HR teams can adopt innovative solutions like:

1. Earned Wage Access (EWA)

Jem’s EWA product allows employees to access a portion of their wages before payday, reducing their reliance on high-cost loans or payday lenders​. See how to implement EWA in your company.

2. WhatsApp-Based Payslips

By digitising payslip distribution through WhatsApp, Jem simplifies access to critical payroll information for employees who often lack email access or company apps. This POPI-compliant solution eliminates inefficiencies and supports workers in managing their finances.

3. Digital Timesheets and Rosters

Jem’s timesheet and roster management tool distributes schedules via WhatsApp, improving payroll accuracy and attendance tracking. This addresses the communication gaps that 27% of deskless workers cite as a key challenge​.

4. Future-Forward Workforce Communications

Jem’s communication platform enables companies to send announcements, surveys, and documents directly to employees on WhatsApp. This mobile-first approach ensures that distributed teams remain informed and connected, minimising the stress caused by poor communication.

5. Employee Benefits and Financial Health

Jem helps employers support their workers’ financial wellbeing through WhatsApp-accessible benefits like early access to wages, savings pockets, airtime and data rewards, and tax-free vouchers for essentials. These benefits improve retention and resilience without adding admin.

By addressing these challenges, businesses can unlock greater productivity and satisfaction within their deskless workforce. South Africa’s deskless workers deserve recognition, support, and innovative solutions to empower them and drive the economy forward.

Want to learn more? Explore Jem HR’s Deskless Worker Pulse for detailed insights.