Frontline worker had to adapt to the digital world alone, says Microsoft

More than half of the estimated 2 billion workers who work in essential sectors of the economy – those on the front lines – felt that they had to learn on their own and in an adapted way using technology tools and other digital solutions to stay active during the pandemic.

The global sentiment is also shared among Brazilians: 60% of respondents reported not having received any formal training to use new technologies, according to a report released this Wednesday (12) by Microsoft. The overall percentage is 55%.

The publication of the American origin company heard 9,600 workers in industrial sectors for which the home office is practically impossible. They are employees of the goods, automobile, energy, finance, hospitality, telecommunications, media, retail and healthcare industries.

“They kept groceries stocked, ensured that the power grids continued to function, provided essential health services, and produced and distributed the products the world needs, all while facing personal risk and continuing disruptions,” the report reads.

Jared Spataro, vice president of a division at Microsoft dubbed “modern work,” says the percentage of frontline workers who said they felt under stress was expected, but said he was surprised by a certain “culture of concern.” ” identified by the search.

According to Microsoft, 76% of frontline workers said they feel very connected to their colleagues. This closeness comes mainly from the stress shared during the pandemic.

The world average is very similar to the result in Brazil, where 77% of workers in these sectors said they were closer to those with whom they shared the anguish of the health crisis.

At the same time, frontline workers said they feel that communication needs to be prioritized from the top. “Company culture” needs to be developed, respondents told Microsoft.

Among those who said they felt stressed, 45% cited heavy workloads, 44% low wages, and 41% long hours. For Brazilians, low income was cited as a stressor by 55% of frontline workers, who also pointed out among the concerns: too much work to be done (51%), very long hours (42%), fear of losing their job (34%) and rigid work routine (34%).

Another surprising point for the Microsoft executive was what he called a positive view of technology. Globally, 63% of frontline workers said they were excited about the job opportunities that could be opened up through the use of technology. In Brazil, 61% expressed positive perspectives.

According to Microsoft, in these massively outsourced labor segments, workers are traditionally underserved by technology.

Another finding from Microsoft’s report points to what the company calls a tipping point, amid a major reorganization of work. This inflection is expressed, in the study, through the desire for better salaries and benefits, more flexibility and balance between personal and professional life.

In Brazil, 80% said that better wages would have an effect on reducing stress. For 63%, improving the type of technology applied to work would be a means of improving conditions. Paid leave was also cited by 57% of respondents.