South Africa’s Deskless Workers: A Workforce Under Strain

The vast majority of South African deskless workers love their jobs, despite challenges like low wages and unreliable transport. This striking insight emerges from Jem HR’s 2024 Deskless Worker Pulse, a comprehensive survey of 1,600 deskless workers and their HR teams. Representing 75% of the country’s workforce, these individuals play a crucial role in sectors ranging from food and hygiene to logistics and security.

“These are essential workers who often operate under challenging conditions,” says Nonsuku Mthimkhulu, Head of Customer at Jem HR. With salaries typically ranging from R5,000 to R10,000 per month, many struggle to meet basic needs while navigating unreliable public transport and a lack of workplace recognition.

A Workforce Motivated by Meaning

Despite their hardships, deskless workers overwhelmingly (98%) report enjoying their jobs. They find pride in their roles and value opportunities for promotion. Around 60% believe they understand what is required for advancement, but many feel underappreciated, with over half reporting infrequent recognition.

“Deskless workers, like any workers, thrive when their hard work is seen and appreciated,” says Caroline van der Merwe, Jem HR’s Chief Product Officer. She emphasises that targeted recognition programmes, training opportunities, and clear career pathways are crucial for long-term employee commitment.

Transport: A Daily Battle

Transport remains a significant source of stress. Thirty-three percent of respondents identified unreliable transport as their top challenge, particularly for early shifts or weekend work when taxi availability is limited. Late notice of shift changes exacerbates the problem, as workers struggle to find affordable alternatives.

“Many workers face safety risks depending on where they get dropped off,” explains Van der Merwe. “Unclear communication about shifts only adds to the difficulty.”

Employers could mitigate these challenges by providing transport assistance, especially for unsociable hours.

Financial Strain and Its Ripple Effects

Nearly half of the surveyed workers run out of money before payday, with 97% needing funds for essential expenses like food, transport, and school fees. Lacking emergency savings, many resort to payday loans or informal lenders, which often lead to crushing debt cycles.

Simon Ellis, Jem HR’s CEO, advocates for solutions like Earned Wage Access (EWA), which allows workers to draw from wages already earned. “Over 70% of deskless workers who have access to EWA say it reduces their reliance on predatory lenders, helping them worry less about finances,” he notes.

Building a Thriving Frontline Workforce

The Deskless Worker Pulse recommends several strategies for employers to improve worker engagement and well-being:

• Offering recognition programmes and clear career pathways.
• Providing transport assistance for early and late shifts.
• Implementing financial tools like EWA to reduce debt reliance.

South Africa’s deskless workers are the backbone of the economy. By addressing their daily challenges, employers can foster a more resilient, motivated workforce. As Van der Merwe succinctly puts it, “Small interventions can make a big difference.”

For more insights, read the full 2024 Deskless Worker Pulse report on Jem HR’s website.

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