Front-line workers — meaning employees who need to do their jobs in person, as well as workers who build products and serve customers, patients, students and residents — comprise almost 80% of the global workforce, according to the UKG, which cited Statista and research firm Gartner.

In the U.S., front-line workers make up 70% of the workforce, according to a 2025 study by HR advisory firm The Josh Bersin Co. in collaboration with UKG. That same study found that these workers are increasingly difficult to find, train and retain. READ MORE