Field workforce management tools are evolving to further optimize employee productivity. With the Great Resignation not slowing down, it is expected that over 20% will quit the workforce. Some of the primary reasons for leaving include a lack of job fulfillment. 

Current trends in workforce management tools are addressing these issues. From multi-device support to increased employee engagement and experience, these trends aim to improve productivity and reduce employee turnover. 

Current features like robust shift management software help ensure employees have a say in rotating shift schedules to improve job fulfillment. Other trends in workforce management (WFM) tools like multi-device support and compliance solve the hybrid workplace model and data security challenges. 

In short, embracing these trends can scale your employee experience and productivity. The article uncovers these trends to help you learn and appreciate these top field workforce management trends. 

1. Advanced Shift Management Software Features

Burnout affects work-life balance and job fulfillment, starting with shift allocation and scheduling. It can be challenging to correctly gauge the efficiency of shift allocation, especially for firms running large field teams.

You need a single source of truth to reconcile competing factors like skillset and agent availability to ensure effective shift and call center scheduling. Leading workforce management platforms now have advanced scheduling. They allow self-scheduling and blend well whether you’re running remote or hybrid field workplace models. 

The advanced features also allow faster scheduling that needs four or fewer clicks. For example, it takes a single click to add or remove an employee from a shift, while it takes four clicks in Microsoft Shifts. 

The trend in evolving shift management software ensures you have a seamless rotating shift schedule. As such, you can overlook, underwork, or overwork employees. The result is enhanced efficiency and employee satisfaction as burnout rates are reduced. 

2. Multi-Device Support and Mobile Accessibility

Global mobile internet traffic accounts for more than half of global web traffic. It means business and consumer applications must be mobile first to reap from the change. But because significant traffic still originates from desktops, every workforce management platform should have multiple device support. 

In 2022, most workforce management platforms are scaling their mobile accessibility. They are also maintaining support across other devices too. It is even more essential for field teams who are constantly on the go to access the mobile management tool. As such, you should choose a mobile-friendly platform that supports other multiple devices you use. 

For example, let’s assume you’re running a virtual call center with remote agents. The call center link marketing and sales teams for opportunities to scale leads and conversions. In such a case, the system should support the mobile devices of sales teams on the go. It should also ensure remote agents using a desktop or laptop access have a smooth experience. 

3. Incorporating Feedback Through Availing Functional Features

Listening and acting on customer and employee feedback can significantly improve customer and employee satisfaction. Most management tools like Microsoft Shifts direct users to community support and forums. Sometimes it takes a lot of time and effort to get a functional feature that can solve customer complaints. 

Advanced workforce management platforms like Soon act on feedback with functional features. These new versatile platforms have dedicated teams continually leveraging the DevOps approach to resolving complaints. In a fast-paced ecosystem, no one should keep begging for incredible features that can help and save every user. 

So most field workforce management systems are out to listen more and act on users’ requests and complaints. That said, allow your team members to offer feedback on your management system. It helps you know how to improve engagement and the system for better efficiency. If the provider doesn’t accept feedback, switch to the one that does. 

4. Compliance with Data Regulations

Another trend is data security which has seen companies lose a significant amount of money to cyber breaches. For example, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has strict regulations for anyone handling data from EU citizens. Non-compliance can cost you 2% of your annual returns or up to €10 million. 

As part of the risk management strategy, workforce management platforms are scaling their data security policies and systems. Compliance with data regulations is a trend that will likely continue in 2023 and beyond. It will be so because the cyber threat landscape is also fast-paced and evolving to measures designed to thwart them. 

So to avoid fines for mishandling your employee’s or partner’s data, only deal with providers that comply with various data regulations. You will need to be keener if you’re handling data originating from the EU and ensure that the workforce management platform provider is GDPR-compliant. 

5. Improved Mental Health and Well-Being 

According to a Pew Research study, work-life balance, disrespect, inflexible schedule hours, and childcare issues are some of the primary reasons driving the Great Resignation. Low pay is a driving factor, too, but most of the issues can be resolved by making employees part of the process.

McKinsey reports that 1 out of 4 employees experience burnout worldwide. That is about 20% of the workforce. Millennials report more burnout than other categories of employees. It's worth noting that millennials and Gen Z are the current dominant workforce group. Burnout affects their mental health and overall well-being. The adverse effects will likely spill on your firm’s performance and efficiency. 

Employee engagement and experience are being prioritized to enhance their overall well-being. Advanced field workforce management is now embracing new features like: 

  • Customizable leave management to every workflow to improve flexibility 
  • The smart people picking feature ensures that you select the best person for the task to enhance happiness.
  • A personalized schedule option allows employees to customize shifts based on availability and time off. 
  • Embedded conversation request for change in schedule details

Collectively, these features aim to improve employee engagement and experience. It is a crucial trend worth following if you want to retain and attract the best employees in this Great Resignation era. 

Wrap Up

Filed workforce management platforms strive to address inherent issues in their system. Data security, employee well-being, mobile accessibility, and feedback are trending in the sector. 

The trends are pushing providers to evolve their systems to put employees first if firms wish to achieve efficiency and productivity. Advanced features like robust scheduling systems with the option for an employee to request shift changes to fit their availability are incredible. All these will eventually improve employee experience and engagement, leading to better performance. 

So, consider choosing an effective field workforce management platform that keeps up with the trends to scale your efficiency and productivity.