Why Deskless Workers Won’t Use an Intranet or Employee Self-Service
For many companies, the intranet or employee self-service portals are considered the go-to solution for employees to find HR-related information, request time off, or check their payroll details. But for deskless (frontline) workers, these systems are practically useless.
Deskless Workers: Always on the Move
Unlike office workers, frontline employees don’t sit at a desk all day with a computer in front of them. They are constantly on the move—working in retail stores, restaurants, construction sites, warehouses, or hospitals. Their main work tool?
A smartphone.
Expecting them to:
- Log into a company intranet (which is often not mobile-friendly),
- Navigate complex menus, and
- Search for policies, shift schedules, or HR documents
…is completely unrealistic. It’s simply not how they operate.
How Frontline Workers Actually Solve HR Problems
When a deskless worker has a question about their salary, remaining vacation days, or work policies, they don’t open an intranet and start searching for documents.
They send a message—either to their HR manager or direct supervisor.
HR teams often spend hours every week answering repetitive questions from employees who just need quick information. This process is inefficient for both HR and employees:
- Employees wait longer to get answers.
- HR gets overloaded with inquiries that could easily be automated.
The Solution: A Conversational Interface
Instead of forcing frontline workers to use a system that doesn’t fit their work style, companies should meet them where they are—on their phones, in a simple chat.
A conversational AI assistant can provide instant answers and services without requiring employees to dig through an intranet. Whether it’s payroll details, shift schedules, or HR policies, employees simply ask a question—just like they would in a normal conversation.
How an AI-Powered Conversational HR Assistant Works
- An employee sends a message (via WhatsApp, SMS, or another chat app).
- The AI assistant (like Paul) instantly responds with the relevant information.
- If needed, the AI triggers actions, such as processing time-off requests or updating personal data.
- No waiting, no searching—just instant support.
The Impact: A Better Employee Experienc
✅ 24/7 Availability – No delays, no waiting for HR office hours.
✅ Faster Answers – Employees get the info they need in seconds.
✅ Less HR Workload – Fewer repetitive questions for HR teams.
✅ Higher Engagement – Employees feel supported and empowered.
A Future Without Intranets?
While office workers may still rely on self-service portals, frontline workers need something different. A conversational interface—especially one powered by AI—allows them to get things done quickly, effortlessly, and on their terms.
At Paul’s Job, we’ve seen firsthand how AI-powered conversations can replace clunky self-service portals for deskless workers. Whether it’s checking payroll, requesting leave, or getting company policy details, a chat-based system makes everything faster and more accessible.
And the best part?
No one has to log into an intranet ever again. 😉
