Why Frontline Workers Are HR Tech's Biggest Blind Spot

Most workplace technology has historically been built for desk workers. But desk workers represent only a small portion of the global workforce. In this episode, Steve Smith is joined by Sri Chellappa, CEO and Co-founder of Engagedly, to explore why frontline employees have largely been left out of the HR tech stack and what it takes to build systems that actually work for them. They discuss the operational reality of mixed workforces, why performance management looks fundamentally different on factory floors and job sites, and how disconnected systems, spreadsheets, and paper processes still dominate frontline environments. The conversation also touches on a broader shift happening beneath the surface of the AI boom. As automation accelerates across many desk-based roles, skilled trades and physical infrastructure work may become more economically and socially important than many people expect. Technology will continue to reshape how organizations operate. But the next wave of work tech innovation may come from focusing on the majority of workers the industry has historically ignored.