RedThread Research today released the report, "Frontline Tech: Designed for Frontline Workers." This study takes a close look at technology serving workers who need to be physically present for their jobs. Despite an uncertain economy in 2023, the report finds this market thriving — with all surveyed vendors anticipating growth and 69% projecting over 31% growth in 2024. The report highlights a focus on three core areas: performance, learning and growth, and engagement and inclusion — noting that while many solutions span two categories, few solutions are broad enough to cover all three, and no one capability is ubiquitous.
WOODSIDE, Calif., Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- RedThread Research, human capital analysts and thought leaders, today released a pivotal new report that takes a detailed look at the rapidly growing field of technology for frontline workers. The report, "Frontline Tech: Designed for Frontline Workers," examines 112 providers in this arena, showing a category brimming with energy and optimism.
RedThread defines "frontline worker" broadly, as anyone who must be physically present to do their work. Such workers, the report observes, often face unique challenges such as limited desktop access, no email addresses, inflexible work schedules, and more.
While traditional HR tech solutions can sometimes overlook the nuances that come with frontline work, this gap in the market is precisely what the providers of frontline technology are addressing — with tools specifically designed to help those workers perform, learn & grow, and feel engaged & included in their organizations.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the report:
1. High Growth Expectations and Big Investments in Frontline Tech:
Enthusiasm is high in this growing sector of HR Tech. Despite the turbulent economy of 2023, every single vendor that participated in RedThread's survey indicated they anticipate growth over the next year. A striking 69% project more than 31% growth in 2024, underscoring the soaring demand for frontline-focused tech. And 46% of all vendors (including those not looking for funding) received funding after June 2022, when venture capital investment declined for HR tech overall.
2. Frontline Tech Solutions Focus in Three Core Areas:
The new RedThread report shows that vendors are focusing on three core areas to support frontline workers: enabling performance, fostering learning & growth, and promoting engagement & inclusion.
- Performance: Technologies including performance support, scheduling, task management, performance management, and pay & benefits.
- Learning & Growth: Technologies that enable frontline workers to plan and develop the skills they need to succeed in their current roles, to prepare for new roles, and to advance in their careers.
- Engagement & Inclusion: Tools that, for example, facilitate communication and collaboration, employee listening and feedback, and employee recognition.
3. Frontline Tech Solutions Are Somewhat Specialized
The report found that while a majority of software solutions supported two of the above categories, very few solutions spanned all three, and no one capability is offered by all providers.
As report co-author Dani Johnson, RedThread's co-founder and principal analyst, notes: "There are really no "table stakes" capabilities that are being offered by everyone. In fact, out of the 15 capabilities we identified in the category, no single solution checked all the boxes. Only one capability (learning content consumption) was even offered by more than half of the providers."
4. Companies Must Prioritize when Selecting the Right Tech:
Because of the specialization of frontline tech solutions, the report notes, buyers of this kind of technology will need to carefully consider their goals before choosing software. The report compares vendors' offerings the vendors offerings across 15 identified capabilities and highlights 4 big considerations to keep in mind when choosing frontline tech.
The report authors also encourage buyers of frontline technology to watch new developments in this dynamic category closely. Frontline tech, they note, differs distinctly from conventional HR tech.
Observes report author and RedThread senior analyst Heather Gilmartin Adams: "Unlike other HR technologies, which enable a set of behaviors — like learning or performance management — frontline tech enables a specific group of people and their needs. Providers are highly focused on creating technology that is specifically designed to empower frontline workers."
For a deeper dive into the report findings, RedThread will be conducting a Tech-Consortium-sponsored webinar: "Finally! Tech is Empowering Frontline Workers" on Thursday, November 9, 1:00 PM ET. Authors Heather Gilmartin Adams and Dani Johnson will unpack the report's findings and offer advice to organizations in navigating this growing market.
Webinar highlights will include:
- Navigating the evolving landscape of frontline technology
- Vendor offerings within this sphere
- The future trajectory of frontline technology
- Strategies for leaders to make well-informed and impactful procurement choices
Anyone interested can reserve a spot in the webinar here: https://landing.redthreadresearch.com/en-us/tc-frontline-tech
RedThread would like to express its profound gratitude to the RedThread Tech Consortium for partially underwriting this research and supporting the ongoing studies on the technologies driving the future of work. For more details about joining the RedThread research community or the Tech Consortium, visit the RedThread website or reach out to RedThread by emailing [email protected].
About RedThread Research
At RedThread Research, we get it. - Sure, we're experts in performance, people analytics, learning, and D&I – and we're well-versed in the technologies that support them. But we're also truth-seekers and storytellers in an industry often short on substance, and too full of #!%. Our mission (indeed, our very reason for existing) is to cut through the noise, and amplify what's good. We look for the connections (or red threads) between people, data, and ideas – even among seemingly unrelated concepts. The result is high-quality, unbiased, transformative foresight that helps you build a stronger business.
To learn more, visit http://www.redthreadresearch.com
Media Contact
Dani Johnson, RedThread Research, 8015809994, [email protected], http://www.redthreadresearch.com
Heather Gilmartin Adams, RedThread Research, 646-275-0742, [email protected], http://www.redthreadresearch.com
SOURCE RedThread Research
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