Successful companies understand that a unified workforce is a powerful one. A strong connection between their desk and deskless employees isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a critical component of operational success. But how do you maintain this connection when a large part of your team, like those in a production or manufacturing environment, doesn't have direct access to a computer?

In this blog article, our customer Solarwatt provides a real-life example of how this can be achieved. They needed a way to reach their production employees, who don't have corporate email accounts or personal desktop PCs. Relying on private devices wasn't an option. The solution wasn't just about technology; it was about creating accessibility and fostering inclusion.

Solution 1: Informational Displays and Digital Signage

One of the most effective ways to reach a wide audience is with strategically placed monitors. Think of these as modern bulletin boards. By installing large screens in high-traffic areas like canteens, break rooms, corridors, or on the production floor, you can keep employees updated on the go.

To make this work, you can use Haiilo's digital signage feature or a dedicated intranet homepage designed specifically for these displays. Remember, your audience won't be interacting with these screens, so the information must be visual, concise, and easy to read from a distance.

When designing your monitor homepage, keep these elements in mind:

• Prominent Headlines: Use hero teasers and widgets with clear, meaningful titles and subtitles that grab attention quickly.
• Visuals: Leverage image widgets to display photos, graphics, and infographics. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when your audience is walking by.
• Concise Messages: Use callout widgets for short, impactful announcements.
• Essential Information: Embed HTML or RTE widgets for important, regularly updated information like the daily canteen menu, shift schedules, or production goals.

To ensure the information stays relevant and the displays remain a central hub, make a plan for continuous content maintenance. It's also smart to lock down the display to a specific, non-interactive user account so the screen only shows what you want it to, without any distracting buttons or navigation. 

You can even include a QR code that directs employees to the mobile app for more detailed information.

Solution 2: Kiosk and Terminal PCs for Independent Access

What if you want to empower your employees to navigate the intranet on their own? A kiosk or terminal PC, placed in a central location, is the perfect solution. This setup allows employees to actively engage with the intranet, but in a controlled environment.

You can set up a generic account with a specific role and create a dedicated homepage for these terminals. The homepage should be clean and intuitive, with a focus on ease of use. It should present all relevant information in an easily accessible way.

Consider including these elements on your terminal homepage:

• Dynamic News: Use a Latest blog articles widget to display news from relevant sources, like company announcements or department updates.
• Key Shortcuts: Use link buttons to quickly access essential information, such as shift plans, company policies, and benefits information.
• Important Topics: Use a hero teaser to highlight the most crucial current topics.

It's crucial to assign a specific role to the generic account. This role should grant access to information (like the file library or colleague list) but should not allow for interaction (like posting, commenting, or uploading). This prevents anonymous, unassigned actions and keeps the terminal's purpose clear: to provide access to information, not to be a social platform.

By creating a system that meets your employees where they are—whether with passive displays or interactive terminals—you can effectively bridge the communication gap, keeping everyone informed, engaged, and aligned with company goals.