Designing a Connected Workforce: A Focus on Essential Workers | Workrede

Designing a Connected Workforce: A Focus on Essential Workers

Last week, TechFest Lou hosted a compelling panel discussion titled “Designing a Connected Workforce: A Focus on Essential Workers.” Workrede’s very own Jonathan Erwin was joined by Ben Reno-Weber to explore the intersection of workforce macrotrends and Workrede’s experience with employers on the ground.

A few key takeaways:

Jonathan began by explaining Workrede’s core mission, which centers around supporting essential workers—those whose roles involve hands-on work, tools and machines, and providing services or care to others. Unlike jobs that primarily engage with a range of digital tools or desktops, essential workers often require more direct, straightforward solutions – which is the majority of workers in the world.

To successfully engage workers in these jobs, Workrede simplifies the complexity by putting all necessary resources and features in one place, creating a seamless experience that supports both employers and employees. This integrated approach not only helps to streamline operations but also enhances engagement and productivity.

Broader Workforce Ecosystem

Ben Reno-Weber addressed the broader workforce ecosystem’s current challenges, emphasizing that there aren’t enough workers to meet the current demand, and demographic trends do not indicate that this is changing any time soon. Ben pointed out that the battle for talent isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about determining who will produce and deliver essential services and products.

That recognition will require several changes to how employers and innovators approach this part of the economy. According to Ben, it’s about making work more meaningful and supportive, aligning with the needs and aspirations of the workforce, and meeting workers where there are – all of which will first requite acknowledging the critical role of essential workers in our economy.

Jonathan brought home the opportunity by shared insights into how the workforce landscape has changed since Workrede’s inception. One of the primary shifts has been the significant increase in mobile device penetration, which has grown from 40% to 95%. This shift underscores the necessity of mobile-first solutions that meet workers where they are.

What does success look like?

Jonathan emphasized that Workrede’s key metric is engagement. By leveraging mobile technology, Workrede has improved how workers interact with their employers, whether for communications, compliance, or simplifying forms and automations. He noted that the goal is to move away from a purely “top-down” approach, opting instead for solutions that are localized, customized, and personal.

Ben highlighted that this kind of engagement is not just about workers’ jobs; it’s about their families, their communities, and a sense of belonging. Workers today want to feel valued and invested in by their employers. They need flexibility in their roles. Because essential workers often live much closer to the economic edge, to thrive, they need different kinds of support and engagement- which will need to extend to the barriers that prevent people from coming to work or being productive while they are there.

The discussion provided a roadmap for fostering a more inclusive, connected, and supportive workforce environment, encouraging employers, policymakers, and community leaders to rethink how they approach workforce development and engagement.