New research from Jem HR uncovers the demographics, demands and challenges of those who don’t have office jobs.
By Maggie Mancini
Three-quarters (75%) of South Africa’s workforce are “deskless workers,” individuals who perform their jobs away from traditional office settings. These include cashiers, factory workers, truck drivers, security officers, miners, cleaners, and many more roles essential to the smooth functioning of society — including many frontline workers. This also means these workers are out in the field with no reliable access to the internet, apps, or email, according to research from Jem HR.
More than three-quarters (77.9%) of South Africa’s deskless workers are between the ages of 25 and 44. In fact, while only 28% of the country’s workforce is between the ages of 22 and 34, they make up the bulk (42.2%) of the country’s deskless workforce. The next largest cohort is 35- to 44-year-olds, making up 35.7% of all deskless employees. People over 45 make up less than 16% of the deskless workforce.
This might be an indicator that deskless workers progress to more senior positions with age, ones that are less physically demanding. That seems to be the case, as 60% of deskless employees know what steps to take to get promoted in their role, the report finds.
Over two-thirds (64.7%) of South Africa’s deskless workers are male, while just 35.1% are female. The national workforce reflects a more even split, being comprised of 43.8% women. This is significantly higher than the average of women in deskless roles. And, if 75% of workers are deskless, this means that nearly 80% of work opportunities are deskless, indicating that women may be missing out on the bulk of work opportunities in the country.
Over half (54%) of South Africa’s deskless employees work in security. Additionally, 19% work in waste management and cleaning, 14% work in manufacturing, and 10% work in transport and logistics.
Nearly all (98%) of deskless employees say they love their jobs, with 35% saying they chose their job because it makes a difference in other people’s lives. Only 33% say they chose their job purely because it’s the most efficient way for them to make money. Still, just 15% feel loyal to their employer.
While about half (49%) of deskless workers feel adequately recognised for their work, nearly 26% feel acknowledged only occasionally and 25% report that their efforts are rarely, if ever, recognised.
The top three stressors for deskless workers are unreliable transport (33%), unclear communication (27%), and low wages (20%). Transport issues can lead to workers arriving late, missing shifts, or even facing dangerous situations when travelling to unfamiliar locations. Add to this poor communication, such as sudden shift changes or unclear expectations, and workers face significant daily frustrations. Employers can address these by offering transport subsidies or improving communication processes, such as mobile-first scheduling tools.
