Silicon Valley is failing 80% of the global workforce

The deskless workforce is finally getting the attention it deserves. These frontline workers build the products we enjoy, educate us, and keep us healthy. But with few exceptions, the only deskless workers Silicon Valley has invested in are Uber or Lyft drivers.

Emergence Capital, an early stage VC firm, commissioned a study of 100 IT buyers from the world’s top deskless industries to understand their views on investing in technology for “un-wired” employees and to inspire more companies to serve this overlooked market.

Top reasons for investing in deskless workers

Productivity is a top priority, but keeping employees happy is critical, according to the study. The report cites high attrition rates and retention issues as significant challenges, and respondents report they are hopeful that technology can solve the problem.

Mobile is key

Mobile adoption leads these investments, with 98% of companies currently and planning to invest in this area. Mobile is critical for deskless workers because many of them don’t have company emails or laptops. As a result, workers without a way to communicate with team members or HQ feel disconnected from the company where they work, which can lead to higher turnover. Additionally, younger employees have higher expectations for a more consumer-like experience from their workplace technology tools.

Check out our guide to engaging and empowering your frontline workforce.

Deskless funding is gaining momentum

Two major trends are driving global companies to invest in deskless employees: more millennials and Gen Zers in the workplace and worker demand for better technology combined with mobile platforms. And in the past 6 years, over $3.5 billion was invested in startups that serve the deskless workforce.

The report signals a massive opportunity that Silicon Valley, for once, hasn’t thought much about. It’s a fast-growing and important market, where good technology, especially portable and untethered, is just as important.