How to Reach Deskless Workers with Your Intranet
The Deskless Workforce Problem
Here’s a number that should concern every internal communications professional: 80% of the global workforce doesn’t have a desk, a computer, or a corporate email.
They’re the nurses checking on patients. The store associates helping customers. The warehouse workers fulfilling orders. The drivers delivering packages. The production crews running assembly lines.
These are the people who keep organizations running — and most intranet software completely ignores them.
Why Traditional Intranets Fail Deskless Workers
Traditional intranets assume every employee has:
- A corporate email address
- A computer or laptop
- Time to sit at a desk and read updates
For deskless workers, none of these assumptions hold true. The result? Important messages reach only 20% of the organization. Frontline workers rely on WhatsApp groups with zero compliance and zero control. Managers don’t know who received critical information.
The Multi-Channel Approach
The solution isn’t to force deskless workers onto a platform they can’t access. It’s to bring the intranet to them through the channels they already use.
Email (Personal)
Many deskless workers have personal email addresses even if they don’t have corporate ones. Open Intranet’s Multi-channel Messenger lets you send important intranet content to personal email addresses — without giving those employees full intranet access.
SMS
For time-critical safety alerts or urgent announcements, SMS provides immediate delivery. Open Intranet’s Enterprise package includes SMS integration for reaching workers who may not check email regularly.
Must-Read Tracking
Regardless of the channel, you need to know who received and read critical information. Open Intranet’s Must-Read feature tracks exactly that — with timestamps, reminders for non-readers, and compliance reports.
Real-World Impact
When Anthony Veder implemented their “wAVe” intranet with Open Intranet, they were able to reach crew members on ships across the globe. The Multi-channel Messenger ensured that safety updates and company news reached every sailor, regardless of their internet access.
Getting Started
If 80% of your workforce can’t access your intranet, your intranet isn’t serving its purpose. Open Intranet’s multi-channel approach ensures every employee stays informed — whether they’re at a desk or on the front line.