As the world becomes digitally more progressive, advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) continue to create dynamic changes across all business functions. Even the HR industry is not immune to the efficacies that AI generates in the tech-led world of work. One of the significant revolutions that AI has brought in the HR space is the adoption of AI-enabled virtual assistants.


A Gartner report states nearly 75 per cent of HR inquiries will be initiated through conversational AI platforms by the end of 2023. Against the growth backdrop of AI, chatbots in HR can augment conversations between employees, leaders, and HR staff. Though HR is a human centric process, many of its routine works do not always require human intervention.


HR chatbots are designed to handle tasks beyond routine conversations. They are not just a bot on the screen but also a tool to automate comprehensive and high-volume tasks, including drafting emailers, generating employee surveys, conducting people analytics, and many more in an increasingly efficient manner.


Personalised self-serve bank of knowledge


Chatbots have emerged as game-changers in the realm of employee engagement and productivity. These conversational tools have the potential to enhance employee morale and focus by providing personalised opportunities and real-time support at the workplace. Virtual assistants have a high potential to influence critical HR functions such as automating onboarding and offboarding processes, collecting employee feedback, and queries in a more optimised manner.


Further, with the rise of remote work and virtual communication, employees are often isolated and lack the traditional support structures found in a physical workplace. This is where chatbots can step in and provide on-time crucial assistance. These digital assistants are available 24/7, making them accessible to employees whenever they need help or guidance, ultimately boosting their productivity.


Frictionless employee experience


As technology has entered the world of work, employee experience has become the top most priority for business leaders. HR chatbots possess AI and ML capabilities that demonstrate more humane elements when it comes to reimagining manager and employee relationships.


The HR chatbot tools allow managers to promote frictionless conversations across multiple touchpoints, with a human handover option whenever needed. This establishes a prompt mechanism for seamless employee support for requests that can take hours when sent to busy IT and HR teams. Automating employee-oriented HR tasks can optimize regular workflows and reduce human involvement and expenses.


Specialised learning opportunities


One of the most significant benefits of chatbots is their ability to offer personalised learning opportunities. By tailoring their responses to the individual needs of each employee, chatbots can help them acquire new skills and knowledge at their own pace. This approach can be particularly effective for employees who are struggling to keep up with their workload or who are dealing with a new set of responsibilities.


Moreover, chatbots can help to keep employees motivated and focused on their work. By offering real-time support and instant feedback, they can help employees stay on track and achieve their goals. Engaged employees create a better work culture and add value to the organisation. On the other hand, they understand their success is critical for the growth of the company and thus, HR chatbots can contribute to improving employees’ skills and knowledge base to unleash their potential for workplace productivity and engagement


A bonus tip


The use of chatbots in enhancing employee engagement and productivity is significant in today’s world. By providing personalised learning opportunities and real-time support, these HR tech tools can help keep employees motivated and focused on their work. As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of remote work and virtual communication, chatbots will likely become an increasingly valuable tool for maintaining employee morale and productivity.


Sarita Chand is the founder of Skills Caravan.


[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.]