CATALYST Issue 4 | Page 16

D Digital | Catalyst D E S K L E SS , N OT VO I C E L E SS Research by Workplace from Facebook reveals a disconnect between frontline workers and their business headquarters (HQs) across the US. Christine Trodella, head of Americas, Workplace from Facebook Our research of more than 4,000 frontline workers and HQ managers in the US and UK, conducted in May 2019, revealed that with no real way to reach decision makers, ‘deskless’ workers experience feelings of isolation and disengagement. This lack of connection in the workplace – whether in a small business or large enterprise – stifles innovation and creativity.  The future of work is going to be about breaking down barriers – geographic, departmental, linguistic and more. Forward-thinking companies want to empower their employees and allow for connectivity between people. Deskless workers are often the first, and sometimes only, touchpoint with customers, and as such they’re an incredible untapped source of insight and knowledge. Businesses need to put the right tools in place that can help engage the entire workforce, allowing them to share knowledge, receive training and feel connected to the wider organisation. We believe that when everyone is connected, businesses run more smoothly, internal culture is stronger, communication is faster and collaboration is better. Ideas are being road blocked 98% of business leaders agree that ideas should come from everyone 45% Only of frontline workers share their ideas with senior team members 25% 38% While of employees have had an idea but never told anyone Only 14% of employees feel connected to their business HQ; this drops to 3% when referring to the C-suite 54% of employees say they are voiceless, while 83% of managers claim they give all employees a voice have shared their idea - only for it to be ignored In more than 1 in 4 30% of the workforce don’t recognise their part to play in their organisation’s success alexandermannsolutions.com 16 95% of business leaders recognise the value of collaboration tools (28%) cases, ideas are stifled due to poor communication