Why Are Deskless Workers Quitting? New SHRM and Fidelity Investments® Research Uncovers the Reasons — and Solutions 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Today, new research from SHRM, the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace – in collaboration with Fidelity Investments® – found significant retention challenges among deskless workers, which can cost businesses millions and disrupt essential industries. The study reveals why these workers, who make up 70-80% of the global workforce, are leaving...and how employers can stop the trend. 

Despite the diversity of roles, deskless jobs have common characteristics, such as irregular schedule and hours, lack of a central office location, limited face-to-face contact with HR, and limited access to work email or messaging platforms. In addition to these challenges, SHRM and Fidelity Investments’ latest report, “From Turnover to Tenure: Insights for Retaining Deskless Workers” found deskless workers, who make up industries such as healthcare, retail, construction, and more, experience a turnover rate 1.6 times higher than their office-based counterparts.  

“Employers need to rethink how they view deskless workers. The data tells us these workers are not just passing through — they want stability, engagement, and opportunity,” said Alex Alonso, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at SHRM. Addressing their unique challenges with data-driven strategies can improve retention, enhance productivity, and create a more committed workforce.” 

Key Findings Include: 

• Why Workers Quit: Pay, Benefits, and Job Stability Matter Most 
  • Workers who plan to leave seek higher compensation (38%), better benefits (30%), and job stability (27%) as primary reasons. 
  • Those who choose to stay point to stability, good work-life balance, and satisfaction with work arrangement or scheduling as key factors, signaling clear areas for employers to focus on for retention. 

• Total Rewards: Laying the Groundwork for Retention 
  • Competitive pay and competitive traditional benefits are the most common retention tools among HR professionals. 
  • 61% of HR professionals report competitive pay as effective. However, only 49% report high effectiveness with competitive benefits – highlighting a need to better understand employees’ benefits-related needs and preferences. 

• Part of the Solution: A Manager’s Critical Role in Retention 
  • For deskless workers who plan to stay in their roles, many note they are doing so because they have a strong relationship with their manager. 
  • When asked about their retention strategies, 40% of managers reported offering flexible work schedules, 35% provided consistent weekly hours, and 29% gave advance notice for schedules.  
    • These strategies are identified by HR as highly effective for retaining deskless workers. 
    • However, 40% or less use these strategies, signaling a need to empower managers with the necessary tools and trainings.  

With their turnover rates actively higher than in-office workers, SHRM and Fidelity Investments recommend an innovative approach to managing deskless workers by implementing targeted, data-driven strategies prioritizing retention. With proper support and alignment, organizations can foster a more stable and engaged workforce. 

Methodology 

Deskless workers: The survey was fielded electronically to a sample of deskless workers via a third-party panel on Oct. 17-25, 2024. In total, 1,388 deskless workers participated in the survey. Of these, 505 were deskless workers who also manage deskless teams. Respondents were eligible to participate if they were employed full-time or part-time by an organization, identified as a deskless worker, and were either an individual contributor or a manager of individual contributors. Respondents represented organizations of all sizes in a wide variety of industries across the U.S. 

HR professionals: This survey was fielded to a sample of HR professionals via SHRM’s Voice of Work Research Panel on Oct. 8-10, 2024. In total, 1,152 HR professionals participated in the survey. Respondents were eligible to participate if they work for organizations that employ both deskless workers and office-based workers, and if deskless workers account for their workforce. Respondents represented organizations of all sizes across the U.S. 

About SHRM  
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.