Internal communication is like the glue that holds any team together. But when it comes to frontline employees—those amazing folks on the ground floor making your business tick—it can feel like trying to use duct tape on a leaky faucet. It works temporarily, but it’s messy and not built to last.

I’ve been there. You send an email, and then you remember... most frontline workers don’t check their emails. Or you post an update on your company intranet, and crickets. Frustrating, right?

Let’s fix that.

Today, I’m going to share three foolproof ways to crush internal communication for your frontline employees.

Why Frontline Employees Are the Backbone of Internal Comms

First, a quick reality check: frontline employees make up 80% of the global workforce, according to a study by Microsoft. That’s a staggering number of people who often aren’t sitting at desks, don't have direct access to your fancy tech tools, and yet are the face of your business to customers.

Ignoring their communication needs isn’t just risky—it’s a direct threat to productivity, morale, and even customer satisfaction.

So, how do you break through the noise and reach these unsung heroes effectively? Here are three strategies that actually work:

1. Go Mobile or Go Home

Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried communicating with your frontline employees through traditional corporate channels and got zero traction. (Yep, me too!)

The issue is obvious: frontline employees are constantly on the move. They don’t sit behind computers all day. Many of them don’t even have work email addresses. So, what’s the solution?

Adopt Mobile-Friendly Communication Tools

The key is meeting them where they are—on their phones. Consider these options:

• Dedicated Communication Apps
  Platforms like Pebb, Workplace from Meta or Slack offer mobile apps that make it easy for employees to access updates, schedules, and even collaborate in real time.

• SMS Alerts
  For critical updates, nothing beats a good old-fashioned text message. Tools like Twilio let you send out quick updates directly to your team’s phones, ensuring important info doesn’t get buried.

Make It Visual and Interactive

No one wants to read walls of text on their phone. Use videos, images, and even GIFs to grab attention and get your message across. Short, engaging content always wins.

📚 Further Reading: Why Mobile-First Communication is a Must for Frontline Workers

2. Build a Culture of Trust Through Transparency

I’ll be honest: when communication feels one-sided, employees stop listening. Frontline workers often feel disconnected from the decision-makers, which can lead to disengagement or worse, turnover.

To bridge this gap, transparency is your secret weapon.

Share the Big Picture

Frontline employees aren’t just cogs in the machine; they’re part of the team. Share company goals, achievements, and even challenges with them. When employees understand why their work matters, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

Create Feedback Loops

Two-way communication is a game-changer. Here’s how to make it happen:

• Employee Surveys: Keep them short and specific. Ask for their input on processes, policies, or even perks.

• Anonymous Channels: Platforms like Glint or even a simple Google Form can give employees a safe space to share honest feedback.

Recognize and Celebrate Wins

Who doesn’t love a shoutout? Recognizing achievements, whether it’s hitting a sales target or handling a tough situation with grace, goes a long way in boosting morale.

3. Prioritize Training and Development

Here’s the thing: frontline employees often get overlooked when it comes to professional development. Big mistake. When you invest in their growth, you’re not just improving their skills—you’re showing that you value them.

Offer On-the-Go Training

Traditional classroom-style training doesn’t work for frontline employees. Instead, try:

• Microlearning: Bite-sized lessons that employees can complete during downtime. Apps like Axonify specialize in this.

• Video Tutorials: Short, engaging videos on best practices or company policies.

Make Training Relevant

No one wants to sit through hours of training that doesn’t apply to their job. Tailor your programs to the specific challenges frontline workers face. For instance:

• Retail employees might benefit from training on handling difficult customers.

• Manufacturing workers could use updates on safety protocols.

Empower Leaders to Lead

Your frontline managers play a critical role in communication. Train them to act as ambassadors who can relay information, answer questions, and motivate their teams.

Real-Life Success Stories

Let’s talk about companies that are getting this right.

1. Walmart

Walmart introduced Workday, a mobile app for their employees, to streamline schedules, benefits information, and communication. The result? Improved employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.

2. Starbucks

Through their internal app, Starbucks employees can access personalized schedules, pay stubs, and company updates—all from their phones. It’s user-friendly and a perfect example of meeting employees where they are.

3. DHL

Logistics giant DHL uses gamification to train their frontline staff. Employees complete quizzes and earn rewards, making learning fun and engaging.

Key Takeaways

Internal communication for frontline employees doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By leveraging mobile-friendly tools, fostering a culture of transparency, and prioritizing training, you can create a connected, empowered, and engaged workforce.

And remember, communication platforms like Pebb are here to help you streamline communication and boost employee engagement. Because when your frontline employees thrive, your business does too.

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to internal communication? Drop a comment or reach out—we would love to hear from you!