If cash is an organisation’s oxygen, people are its lifeblood. Desk-free workers, who make up around 80% of the global workforce, play an integral role across core industries like retail, wholesale, logistics, manufacturing, and passenger transport. Yet, these vital contributors are often undervalued, underpaid, and left voiceless. The consequences? High attrition, operational inefficiencies, and a ripple effect on key metrics such as customer satisfaction, profitability, and enterprise value.
The OneAdvanced Desk-Free Worker Report 2025 not only draws attention to these issues, it uncovers an alarming disconnect between what employees experience and how leaders perceive these same conditions. Using survey data from over 800 respondents—including 500 desk-free employees, 200 middle managers, and 100 executive leaders—the report sheds light on the unspoken challenges of an increasingly disenfranchised workforce.
Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and why addressing these gaps is essential for your business’s future success.
Headline stats
- 90% of executive leaders and 77% of middle managers say their desk-free workers are paid fairly and on time – but only 57% of workers say this is the case
- 56% of workers say increased pay and benefits would improve employee retention, compared to just 24% of executive leaders and 34% of middle managers
- 42% of middle managers say their staff have a manageable workload, with no issues around scheduling and resourcing – compared to just 25% of workers who say this is their experience
- The majority of desk-free workers in our survey say they are pleased to see the end of zero-hour contracts in the UK under the Employment Rights Bill, with 50% wanting their employer to show more commitment to them, and 37% wanting access to more benefits from day one
- 96% of executive leaders believe their employees are made aware of important business updates/structural changes, while only 58% of workers say this is true
- 45% of executive leaders say their workers have some flexibility around shifts/hours, but only 24% of those within the desk-free workforce think this is the case
Biggest challenges for desk-free workers
Unfair/late pay
Across various sectors, low wages remain a critical issue, compounded by workers feeling their pay doesn’t align with the effort and value they bring. Many desk-free employees live paycheck to paycheck, with minimal financial security or career growth prospects. The report shows that 56% of workers believe increasing pay and benefits is key to improving retention—but only 24% of executive leaders agree this is a priority.
Normalisation of being overworked
Workload challenges are pervasive, with many employees feeling overburdened. Employees aged 18–24 are especially vulnerable, with 38% in this group accepting being overworked as “just part of the job”. Alarmingly, 75% of workers say their workload is unmanageable, creating a cycle of burnout, absenteeism, and quitting.
Lack of autonomy
While discussions around hybrid working focus largely on desk-based roles, desk-free workers struggle with rigid routines and limited control over their shifts or tasks. Only 24% of these employees feel they have flexibility around working hours, compared to 45% of executive leaders who believe this to be true for their staff.
Poor flow of information
Effective communication fosters trust and engagement, but frontline workers often feel left out of the conversation. For example, only 53% of these employees say they understand their organisation’s strategic goals compared to 80% of leaders who think their teams have this awareness. Disconnected and inadequately informed staff can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and low morale.
Implications for businesses
The repercussions of ignoring these challenges are business-wide. High employee turnover amplifies recruitment and training costs while eroding institutional knowledge. Operational inefficiencies affect service quality and the overall customer experience. A disengaged workforce is less likely to innovate or adapt, leaving you behind competitors too.
A disconnect not only impacts internal processes but can also tarnish your external brand reputation. Customers and other stakeholders increasingly expect companies to be ethical, not just in terms of their impact on the local community and wider environment, but also the way they treat their workforce. Failure to meet these expectations can lead to lost trust and revenue.
Closing the gap
The path forward lies in acknowledging and addressing the root causes of these challenges. This requires proactive efforts to bridge the prevalent divide.
Practical solutions for transforming the desk-free workforce:
- Reassess compensation: While increasing pay across the board may not always be viable, you can explore alternative ways to improve financial wellbeing. Flexible benefits, overtime incentives, or transparent, fair evaluation processes can go a long way in boosting employee satisfaction.
- Offer flexibility: Addressing workers’ desire for more control is key to improving engagement. Implementing dynamic shift management tools or creating systems where employees can take ownership of certain tasks could help.
- Improve communication channels: You should prioritise transparent, consistent communication. This could include daily briefings, up-to-date noticeboards, or mobile apps that keep desk-free staff connected regardless of where they work.
- Invest in training and career development: Many workers value opportunities for upskilling and professional growth. By creating clear pathways for advancement, you can retain valuable talent and build a sustainable talent pipeline.
- Leverage technology: AI and workforce management tools play a pivotal role in transforming operational frameworks. Modular applications can streamline scheduling, automate compliance tracking, and provide actionable insights based on real-time data.
Why act now?
The Employment Rights Bill, introduced in late 2024, brings new regulations designed to safeguard workers’ rights. These changes—including the end of exploitative zero-hours contracts and default flexible working—present both opportunities and challenges. Adapting to these reforms while addressing evolving workforce needs can set you apart as a responsible, forward-thinking employer.
The desk-free disconnect isn’t completely insurmountable. By taking a customer-centric, transparent, and strategic approach, you can rebuild trust, empower your employees, and boost long-term performance.
Reconnect. Reinvigorate. Reimagine success
The OneAdvanced Desk-Free Worker Report challenges leaders to rethink assumptions and close gaps that were perhaps previously invisible. The data is clear: the time to reconnect with your desk-free workforce is now. By unlocking the potential of these essential employees, you can drive greater engagement, enhance productivity, and foster resilience in an increasingly dynamic industry.
Download the full report here and take the first steps towards empowering the people who power your business.
