How Metcash United Its Frontline with a Single HR Platform

For large organisations with a distributed workforce, simplicity is the ultimate goal. Yet, the reality for many HR leaders is a complex web of systems, fragmented communication channels, and a heavy administrative burden. Metcash, one of Australia’s leading wholesale distribution companies, needed a way to simplify access for thousands of frontline employees spread across the country. Consistency and ease of use were key priorities.

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By introducing a unified HR platform, Metcash made everyday essentials, like viewing payslips…simple and accessible. This drove strong adoption, with 88% of employees actively using the platform.

The tool has delivered clear wins in streamlining core HR tasks and making everyday essentials simple and accessible. For Metcash, it’s been a great way to connect teams and enhance the employee experience through technology.

The Context: A Large-Scale Frontline Workforce

Metcash is a powerhouse in Australia’s wholesale market, supporting a vast network of independent retailers across the food, liquor, and hardware sectors. Its success depends on a workforce of over 6,000 employees, the majority working on the frontline in warehouses, distribution centres, and support roles.

Delivering a consistent and connected experience for this dispersed workforce is a shared priority across the People & Culture team. From payroll ensuring easy access to payslips, to our EVP & Communications Manager driving meaningful engagement, to our Reward & Recognition Advisor shaping benefits and performance programs, and our People Enablement team enabling self-service; every function plays a role in creating a seamless employee experience.

The Challenge: System Sprawl and Operational Noise

Like many large enterprises, Metcash had a suite of external systems to manage HR functions. While each platform served a purpose, the sheer number of them created friction for frontline workers. Employees had to navigate multiple logins and interfaces just to complete basic tasks, leading to frustration and inefficiency.

This system sprawl resulted in several key problems:

• Fragmented Access: Multiple entry points for different systems slowed down daily workflows and made it difficult for employees to find what they needed.
• Low Communication Visibility: It was challenging to ensure that important company news and operational updates reached every single employee, especially those not at a desk.
• Heavy HR Admin Load: The People Enablement team was spending significant time managing different platforms and answering employee queries about system access.
• Team Misalignment: Without a central communication channel, keeping thousands of dispersed team members aligned with company goals was a constant struggle.

The HR team was caught in a cycle of managing technology instead of enabling people. They needed a way to streamline employee system access and build a more effective frontline communication platform.

The Insight: One Simple Place to Start Every Shift

Metcash saw an opportunity to make life easier for its frontline teams by simplifying access to essential tools. Rather than introducing more systems, the focus was on creating one convenient starting point for employees; a single digital entry that brings together existing platforms in a way that feels intuitive and easy to use.

This approach provides a streamlined experience for everyday tasks and helps employees stay connected without disrupting core systems. The unified HR platform is designed to make self-service simple and accessible for everyone, from the warehouse floor and across our retail network.