EMPLOYER REPORT

The State of the Deskless Workforce: 2025 Report.

They make up 80% of our global teams – yet the deskless workforce remains as the undervalued and overlooked majority. Collating latest market insights and statistics, this report highlights the key barriers that continue to grow the divide in majority frontline or decentralised workforces. Dive into practical solutions for restoring connection, enhancing engagement and maximising retention with your people – from head office to shopfloor.

the state of the deskless workforce - 2025 report

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Key insights & learnings.

  • Examine key statistics around the growing deskless divide and the 5 leading factors causing growing disconnection and disengagement in decentralised workforces.
  • Explore the top drivers behind attracting and retaining diverse, multi-generational talent in frontline roles.
  • Understand the commercial cost of overlooking the deskless divide, from productivity risks to damaged culture and inclusion.
  • Dive into sector specific challenges facing each majority frontline industry and how to actively address these.
  • Real stories on the ‘what, why and how’ from leading employers including Birmingham Airport, Betfred, Asda, Emma Bridgewater and Salutem Care & Education on how to practically empower and engage a deskless, decentralised workforce to increase employee retention rates by up to 50%.

51%

frontline employees feel regarded as expendable.

9 in 10

don’t have access to the right tech tools to stay connected.

49%

feel a cultural divide with corporate, desk-based colleagues.

Why bridge the deskless divide?

The heroes who keep our shopfloors selling, our production lines moving, our essential works turning and emergency services operating to name only a few – yet deskless employees remain as the undervalued and overlooked majority.

Latest research shows:

  • Over half (51%) of frontline employees feel regarded as expendable by their employer
  • 42% feel treated as a number rather than a person
  • Less than 1 in 10 have the right technology tools to stay connected to their wider business
  • 49% feel there a cultural divide between themselves and corporate, desk-based colleagues.

It’s time we changed this. At Rippl, we’re all about making every person matter. From desk-based teams to frontline heroes, our mission is to empower employers to inspire, connect and reward their people with a tailored solution so you can drive meaningful engagement and measurable business impact.

INSPIRE. CONNECT, REWARD.

Ready to make every person matter in your business?

In a 30-minute slot that suits you, discover the Rippl effect as we take you on a platform tour of:

  • How Rippl can be tailored to your unique business geography, needs and culture
  • Our extensive feature suite including multi-level recognition, dynamic reward options, benefits dashboard and wider engagement features
  • Desktop and mobile app customisation and branding capability
  • Real-time data and analytics reporting to evidence impact and drive strategic decisions