Decreasing Turnover with Technology

XOi

25 Sep 2018

•

min read

Share this post

Infinity symbol formed by thick navy blue intertwined loops on a white background.

Key Takeaways

Employee turnover in field service is expensive — and much of it is preventable.

Deskless workers deserve better software

80% of the workforce doesn't work at a desk — and the software industry has historically ignored them.

Productivity and satisfaction go together

Workers are happiest when they're doing their jobs well and meeting customer expectations.

How New Computing Platforms Improve Deskless Work

With new computing platforms, deskless employees can be more happy and productive. Let’s face it—most software is designed for people sitting at a desk, working in a traditional office environment.

But in the skilled trades, work happens on the move, outdoors, and in the field.

A recent report by venture capital firm Emergence highlights this gap: only one out of five employees works at a desk. Roughly 80% of the global workforce is “deskless,” employed in industries like construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Despite this, businesses spend over $300 billion each year on software, and very little of it is designed for deskless use cases.

Mobile Technology Is Changing the Game

Mobile computing is putting automation directly into the hands of field professionals.

With smartphones, tablets, and wearable technologies, skilled trades workers can complete tasks faster, document work more effectively, and stay connected without returning to the office.

Adoption is accelerating:

78% of construction companies plan to increase investment in deskless technology
91% of manufacturers plan to increase spending in the same area
69% of companies are investing in wearables like smart glasses
58% are exploring drones for field operations

These tools are becoming a core part of modern field workflows rather than optional add-ons.

Deskless Technology and Workforce Retention

The skilled labor shortage is putting pressure on employers. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 80% of construction companies report difficulty finding qualified workers.

At the same time, turnover remains high. Replacing an hourly worker can cost 16–20% of their annual salary, which quickly adds up across an entire workforce.

ADP data has shown turnover in construction reaching 21.4% in a single quarter, with younger workers switching jobs at rates above 60%.

In this environment, improving the employee experience is no longer optional—it is a competitive necessity.

Improving the Employee Experience for Field Teams

Better tools directly improve how employees feel about their work.

According to TinyPulse, 26% of construction workers report frustration due to a lack of tools that help them do their jobs effectively.

When companies invest in technology, their goals typically include:

Increasing productivity
Improving employee experience

These goals are tightly connected. Workers are most satisfied when they can:

Do their jobs well
Meet customer expectations
Spend more time on skilled, meaningful work
Reduce unnecessary administrative tasks

Deskless technology helps remove friction by automating repetitive tasks and simplifying documentation and communication.

Putting Technology to Work in the Field

Modern platforms help technicians focus more on problem-solving and less on paperwork and manual reporting.

Through tools like video capture and machine learning, platforms such as XOi help enable teams to:

Improve field productivity
Standardize communication and documentation
Support technicians with better context and information
Deliver more consistent customer experiences

The result is a stronger link between operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Building a Better Experience for Technicians

When technicians have the right tools, they perform better—and they stay longer.

Technology that supports field workflows doesn’t just improve output; it improves morale, confidence, and retention.

Final Takeaway: Empower the Workforce You Already Have

The future of deskless work is about equipping technicians with tools that match the reality of their jobs—not forcing office-based software into field environments.

When technology is designed around how people actually work, productivity and satisfaction improve together.

To explore how XOi Vision™ supports field teams and improves workflows, organizations can schedule a demo to see what can be automated and streamlined across the employee experience.

FAQs

Why is employee turnover so high in field service and the skilled trades?

High turnover in field service is driven by job frustration, administrative burden, inadequate tools, and a sense of being undervalued. Workers in the trades are mobile and independent — and when their employer doesn't invest in their experience, they find one who will.

How does technology reduce turnover in field service companies?

Technology that removes friction — automating documentation, delivering knowledge on demand, enabling remote support — makes the job less frustrating and more rewarding. When technicians feel equipped and supported, job satisfaction increases and turnover decreases.

What is the cost of employee turnover in field service?

Replacing an hourly field service worker costs 16-20% of their annual pay. At a construction industry turnover rate historically around 20%, the cumulative cost to a business is substantial — making investment in technician-focused technology one of the best retention tools available.

How does XOi reduce technician frustration on the job?

XOi eliminates manual data entry via OCR, delivers instant equipment knowledge from a dataplate photo, enables remote support when techs get stuck, and automates job documentation. Senior techs spend less time fielding calls from struggling junior techs — and junior techs feel more supported and capable.

How does better field service technology help attract and retain younger technicians?

Younger workers entering the trades expect modern, mobile-first tools that fit their digital lifestyles. Companies that deploy purpose-built field technology signal investment in their workforce — making them more attractive to the next generation of technicians and more competitive in the recruiting market.