How do I assign a worker to a resource object?

When building various structures such as the guard post or the scavenger workbench, you're prompted to assign a worker to the resource object:

However... I'm not seeing any indication of how I'm meant to achieve this, and without assigning a worker the structure doesn't operate...

How do I assign a worker to a resource object?

Solution 1:

This is actually not as difficult as originally thought, although it can be time consuming and isn't particularly intuitive - in order to assign a worker to a resource you must be in workshop mode and then approach the person you want to be the worker, speak to them and "command" them:

...then go to the location you want them to work and you'll have the option to assign them to that post.

They'll then walk over from their original position and start working.