The vast majority of South Africa’s deskless workers enjoy their jobs, but low wages and unreliable public transport remain daily stressors. This was revealed in the 2024 Deskless Worker Pulse, a research report by Jem HR, a WhatsApp-based HR and employee benefits platform tailored for frontline workforces.
Deskless workers, who represent 75 percent of South Africa’s national workforce, fill vital roles across sectors such as food, hygiene, security, logistics, and retail. “These are essential workers who often operate under challenging conditions,” explains Nonsuku Mthimkhulu, Jem HR’s head of customer.
“They struggle to make ends meet, earning between R5,000 and R10,000 per month,” Nonsuku adds. “They’re in public-facing roles, depend on unpredictable public transport, and have limited access to computers or company emails.”
The survey, which gathered insights from 1,600 deskless workers and the HR teams supporting them, highlighted their resilience despite the challenges. Remarkably, 98 percent of respondents said they enjoy their jobs, even though many start their day as early as 3am to get to work.
Finding meaning at work
While wages remain a primary concern, opportunities for promotion and the sense that their work is meaningful are key motivators. Many workers take pride in their roles and career progress. Sixty percent of respondents reported knowing what they need to do to secure a promotion, and most said they believe promotion opportunities exist.
However, recognition remains a sore point. More than half of the workers surveyed said they feel appreciated only rarely. “Deskless workers, like anyone, thrive when their hard work is acknowledged,” says Caroline van der Merwe, co-founder and chief product officer at Jem. She highlights the importance of recognition programmes, accessible training, and clear promotion pathways. “These measures can make workers feel valued and encourage long-term commitment,” Caroline explains.
Transport and financial troubles
The report underscores unreliable public transport as one of the biggest stressors for deskless workers, alongside poor communication from managers, low wages and safety concerns.
“Many workers told us their transport routes change depending on the time of day,” Caroline shares. “Some drop-off points are unsafe at night, forcing them to take longer, more expensive routes.”
“They’re often notified of last-minute shift changes at different locations or times,” she continues. “Without funds for more efficient transport, they risk arriving late and lack a reliable way to communicate with their managers.”
Survey participants suggested that employers could ease this burden by providing transport support, especially for early or weekend shifts when taxis are less reliable.
Financial stress is another pressing issue. Nearly half of deskless workers run out of money before payday, with 97 percent needing funds for essentials rather than luxury items. The report found that 44 percent of workers have no emergency savings, and 72 percent say financial pressure impacts their mental health.
“Many simply don’t earn enough to cover the basics,” says Simon Ellis, Jem’s co-founder and CEO. “This forces them to rely on payday loans, loan sharks, or even friends who charge lending fees. It’s a vicious cycle of debt with enormous costs.”
Practical support for deskless workers
Caroline suggests employers could explore alternatives like Earned Wage Access (EWA), which allows employees to access wages they’ve already earned. “Over 70 percent of workers using EWA reported they no longer rely on payday loans or loan sharks,” she notes. “And 72 percent said they now worry much less about finances.”
Caroline also emphasises improving communication and addressing transport challenges as feasible steps employers can take. “These changes, though simple, can significantly improve the daily lives of deskless workers,” she adds.
The 2024 Deskless Worker Pulse report outlines actionable recommendations for employers, including EWA, enhanced recognition, and transport assistance. South Africa’s deskless workers are a cornerstone of the economy. By addressing their challenges, businesses can create a more engaged and stable workforce.
