Engage and retain frontline employees by improving EX

Frontline employees who feel a sense of belonging are less likely to resign, underscoring the importance of meeting their needs and preferences.
By: | January 19, 2023
Topics: Employee Experience | Leadership | News | Talent Management

About 56% of organisations hiring frontline employees are facing the challenge of talent retention, with about 20% of employees planning to their jobs within the next three to six months, a new survey from Workday has found.

The survey of 3,000 global workers in frontline positions, which was conducted to understand the sentiment, needs and priorities of today’s frontline workforce and determine how employers can support, empower and retain these workers, however, found that 79% of employees who are engaged and feel a sense of belonging are more likely to stay with their current employers.

To provide frontline workers with positive, connected, and supportive experiences, Workday identified three key factors, including workplace belonging being critical for frontline employee wellbeing and retention. When frontline employees feel connected with their managers, they have a greater sense of belonging and are more likely to stay. When employees do not feel a sense of workplace belonging, their mental health and wellbeing is negatively impacted and only 33% intend to stay with their current employer.

Technology can also play a key role in shaping employer perception. Employees (71%) who have flexible scheduling tools that enable them to manage their schedules are more likely to say their company is open and transparent, highlighting the importance of having the right tools and technology to shape employee experience.

READ: Redesigning employee experience for the future of work

Lastly, organisations need to cultivate supportive people leaders and offer opportunities for employees to share feedback. 80% of employees who say their manager understands and regularly supports them are satisfied with their job role and do not intend to leave. Employees also want to be recognised for their work and have opportunities to share feedback. Only 15% of frontline employees who receive and give daily or weekly feedback have plans to quit their job.

Mariana Santiago, GM Workforce and Payroll, Workday, said, “Experience is at the very core of frontline worker engagement and retention. Organisations that listen to the evolving needs and preferences of frontline workers, empower them with the tools to do their jobs, and support them when it matters most will flip the script and increase their ability to recruit and retain this workforce.”