Can AI improve the workplace?

As businesses evolve at an ever-increasing pace, emerging technologies are set to change the way we think about, approach, and conduct business. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one such technology that has the potential to shape the work environment in a revolutionary way. AI has been widely tipped as a powerful potential asset in the field of human resources. According to the ‘Artificial Intelligence as a Service Market Growth & Trends 2022’ report by Grand View Research Inc., the global AI as a service market is expected to reach USD 96,064.7 million by 2030. Growing at a CAGR of 37.1% from 2022 to 2030, the role of AI has evolved with digital transformation across industries, including the HR domain. From talent acquisition to exit interviews, AI is instrumental in addressing common issues that emerge during an employee’s life cycle while simultaneously transforming HR departments. 

Executing this transformation 

AI is improving the business environment by enhancing speed, productivity, and motivation of employees. AI can automate tasks like talent discovery, preboarding, onboarding, employee engagement, query resolution, and so on. With AI managing routine tasks, HR professionals have the opportunity to focus on solving complex issues that help improve the overall work experience of an employee. By using AI-powered virtual assistants, collaboration tools, real-time feedback tools, employee surveys, etc. organizations can address the challenges that arise with employee disengagement. Moreover, businesses can collect massive amounts of data available at their employees’ fingertips which would further enhance the experience by promoting an environment of self-sufficiency and putting power in the hands of the employees. 

Can AI truly transform the workplaces of the future? 

In a work environment where AI, analytics and big data are changing how HR functions perform, the role of HR leaders also continues to evolve. AI is being employed for various tasks including recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, creating engaging conversations and building personalized modules based on the need and knowledge of each employee. However, Human Resources will always require a human touch. Skills like emotional intelligence, empathy, critical thinking, creativity, complex problem-solving, negotiation, etc. are becoming highly sought-after, which will enable HR leaders/professionals to better manage the human side of work. 

Summing up 

For most organizations a positive customer experience has always been a priority, however, there is a direct link between positive customer experience and employee experience. Ian Golding, a leading customer experience consultant, in his book ‘Customers what?’ says, "The biggest underlying principle of customer experience is the principle of empathy, but empathy isn't just towards the customer. It must be towards your employees…If you don't get it right for your people, they won't get it right for your customer." This emphasizes how there needs to be a conscious effort by organizations to help and understand employees, who are just as important as customers. This will only be possible when organizations continue to invest in their people and provide tools that give HR teams the data they need to make more insightful choices. Choices that help employees learn and grow in their roles.

AI has the potential to revolutionize the way work is conducted and businesses are run, by enabling better decision-making based on data and insights.

Adit Jain

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Adit Jain is the co-founder and CEO of Leena AI.