Welcome to Frontline Focus. Today we’re talking about the “deskless workforce,” which makes up about 80 percent of workers worldwide and faces a nationwide talent war. According to HR leaders, “79 percent of HR leaders cite learning and development as the biggest talent challenge” for these mobile, on-the-move employees. Traditional, classroom-style training simply can’t scale on the factory floor or job site.

Experts say we must rethink the entire employee journey—recruit, ramp, and retain—as an integrated pipeline, with ramping as the anchor. As one study notes, “94 percent say training encourages them to stay at a company longer.” Job shadowing has value, but it doesn’t scale, especially as skilled workers retire.

The solution? Digital training systems that act like mentors, using simulations and AI to tailor learning to each worker’s needs. Short, targeted lessons drive real business outcomes when companies track progress and tie training back to company goals.

Companies already see success by defining what success looks like, designing skills-based programs, and measuring impact. That’s how workforce development becomes a competitive advantage—recruiting faster, ramping better, and retaining longer.
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