In our Work Trends Index report released earlier this year, Frontline respondents ranked use of a modern device as among the strongest contributors to overall job satisfaction. Survey data showed that improving tech as a way to reduce stress rated third behind better pay and more vacation time.1
Better tech ranks third on a list of things frontline workers say could reduce stress, just behind better pay and vacation time
Here at Surface, we aim to lead device innovation with Microsoft 365 experiences to transform how frontline workers interact with and are empowered by technology. Here are some examples of how the best of Microsoft's hardware and software come together at the frontline.
Productivity
The Microsoft Surface portfolio has a wide spectrum of form factors, from the Surface Duo 2 dual-screen mobile device to the Surface Hub 2S meeting room and collaboration hub. This versatility makes it easy for companies to choose the right device for a variety of frontline roles. For example, sales associates can benefit from using a more mobile and lightweight device like Surface Go 3. Its extended battery life with touch and digital inking help them provide their clients with a more personal customer experience. Surface Pro 8 with LTE paired with a rugged case from our Designed for Surface accessory portfolio helps field technicians and service reps access critical information in real-time while on customer sites.
Surface devices are meticulously engineered to provide a frictionless experience – whether used in a store, in the field, or at a desk. One of my favorite success stories comes from the iconic UK-based retailer Marks & Spencer. When the company distributed 5,000 Surface Go devices to managers across their 600 stores, M&S rapidly transformed its frontline worker capabilities by putting Microsoft Teams in the hands of its colleagues. The result: Not only can managers and frontline workers always reach each other right away, but they can also get timely access to the critical information needed to provide superior customer service.
As part of the Designed for Surface program, we are excited to announce the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Riveter Series Case available across the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom for USD $89.95 MSRP. This latest addition to the Designed for Surface accessory lineup opens up more opportunities for frontline workers to use the Surface Duo 2 with a ruggedized case across various industries such as manufacturing and retail. For more details, visit OtterBox.
Chip to cloud security
Frontline workers can have peace of mind knowing their Surface devices benefit from integrated layered security from the UEFI2 firmware layer up to the Azure Cloud. Features like Windows Hello make frontline workers' lives easier with passwordless authentication while enhancing the organization's overall security posture. Physical, discrete TPM 2.0 chips built into Surface for Business devices implement a secured and sandboxed environment for storing passwords, PINs, and certificates – helping protect frontline workers from phishing attacks. Virtualization-based security (VBS) and Hypervisor Code Integrity (HVCI) help provide better protection against common and sophisticated malware by performing sensitive security operations in an isolated environment. Every layer of Surface from chip to cloud is maintained by Microsoft, giving you ultimate control, proactive protection, and peace of mind wherever and however work gets done.
Accessories to complete the solution
Designed for Surface is the officially licensed accessories program for Surface devices to improve customer experiences through quality licensed third-party accessories that users want and need. All Designed for Surface accessories have been tested for compatibility with our Surface devices and include anti-microbial, ruggedized, and waterproof protective cases, displays, mounts, and stands to enable point of sales, charging carts and much more. To view all categories and available accessories, please visit the Designed for Surface Catalog.
With 2 billion frontline workers worldwide representing 80% of the global workforce and 88% of organizations employing people in frontline roles, Microsoft Surface is committed to building devices and experiences to empower every person on this planet to achieve more.
To learn more about Surface for Business in Frontline, please visit Surface.com/Business or connect with your local commercial reseller.
Read about the general availability of Microsoft Cloud for Retail and visit the Microsoft Cloud for Retail page for more details on this new industry-specific Cloud solution.
References
1. (2022). Technology Can Help Unlock a New Future for Frontline Workers.microsoft.com. https://www.microsoft.com/worklab/work-trend-index/technology-unlocks-a-new-future-for-frontline.
2. Surface Go and Surface Go 2 use a third-party UEFI and do not support DFCI. Find out more about managing Surface UEFI settings and Surface devices on which DFCI is enabled. Find out more about Microsoft protection for Surface Go and Surface Go 2.