AI and Employee Engagement: 5 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Game 

In today’s whirlwind work scene, keeping employees engaged can be a bit like juggling – especially with HR’s expanding to-do list. The things that light a fire under your team and keep them engaged changes from year to year, thanks to varying outside influences. And just to add to the mix, the tools we use to amp up engagement are always evolving. 

At this point, we all know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay. By 2025, a staggering 97 million individuals will be immersed in AI roles, with a projected annual market growth of over 120%.

It’s been integrated into most industries, notably healthcare, online shopping, finance and now: employee engagement. Let’s dig into how integral AI is becoming to the world of employee engagement – we’re talking about a tech revolution in how we dish out motivation, feedback, and that elusive work-life balance. 

AI Can Diagnose Disengagement

Historically, figuring out why employees were disengaged was a real head-scratcher for businesses. Knowing the ‘what’ is one thing, but understanding the ‘why’ is where the real power lies. It allows you to jump in and tackle disengagement head-on, nipping it in the bud. 

Standard employee engagement surveys usually opt for questions that are easy-to-crunch, but offer somewhat limited quantitative data with closed questions. The real goldmine, though, lies in more in-depth surveys that dig into employees’ thoughts with open-ended questions. This is where you strike the ‘aha’ moments. Admittedly, sifting through this data can be a bit of a time hog. 

Enter stage left: AI. It’s the latest breakthrough in engagement survey technology, streamlining the analysis process. New updates to the People Insight platform includes AI in the mix, sorting comments from open questions into themes. This means you get a quick snapshot of what’s top of mind for your workforce, slashing hours of analysis into one neat dashboard feature. And guess what? Our AI doesn’t stop there – it goes a step further, uncovering the overall sentiment within those themes – whether it’s positive, neutral, or leaning towards the negative.

AI Allows Companies to Drive Engagement Through Chatbots

AI-driven chatbots are transforming employee engagement. They swiftly deliver vital updates, learning materials, and benefits details at the touch of a button. This time-saving tool is invaluable for managers and empowers employees to excel in their roles. Additionally, chatbots streamline task assignments, automate repetitive duties, and enhance collaboration. 

Here at People Insight, we’ve introduced ‘Fin’, an AI helpbot powered by OpenAI, into our platform and dashboard. Fin is your dedicated guide to navigating the world of People Insight. Whether you’re exploring survey frameworks or optimising dashboard features, Fin’s expertise ensures you’re on the right track. Here’s a sneak peek: Fin will soon be replacing our help centre and content hub, becoming the one-stop shop of information for People Insight clients. This enhancement will provide a comprehensive experience, allowing users to access all the resources they need in one centralised location.

AI Can Facilitate Onboarding

Quality onboarding is hugely important to the employee experience – but is a one-size-fits-all approach the best option? Despite companies’ best efforts, there are instances where they may miss the mark in catering to the individual needs of a new hire during those crucial initial days. This is where AI steps in.

AI-powered platforms like Sana step up the game by crafting personalised onboarding plans, fine-tuned to a new starter’s personality, learning preferences, prior experience, and more. Not only does this directly benefit the incoming employee, but it also works behind the scenes, streamlining the paperwork process. This not only reduces administrative burdens but also grants HR teams the bandwidth to focus on the more strategic aspects of onboarding.

And the dividends of exceptional onboarding are significant. Studies show that companies with a structured onboarding process enjoy 52% greater new hire retention. Additionally, a well-executed onboarding program can lead to a 70% increase in productivity, and fully onboarded employees are likely to reach full productivity 34% faster than those with no or partial onboarding.

Performance Management and Feedback

When a performance management system is seamless and supportive, it can go a long way to maintaining and boosting levels of employee engagement – but how can AI help? 

AI is facilitating performance management processes by: 

• Prompting managers to deliver feedback, while giving insights on recent accomplishments and goal achievements 
• Helping to set clear SMART goals 
• Providing support and feedback 
• Provide coaching opportunities 
• Providing the capacity for real-time communication and interaction

Improved Work-Life Balance and Wellbeing

Employees who are happier, healthier and have a better work-life balance are up to 20% more productive (Sgroi, 2015) . They are also more engaged with their work – overwork and high-stress levels are a surefire road to burnout. 

AI is being used by businesses to ensure employees are being utilised well, without being overworked. For example, AI can detect when an employee is clocking too many hours and therefore suggest ways that the employee’s workload might be redistributed to lessen their workload. 

For employees who are already overworking, AI can also be used to track stress levels and provide personalised recommendations, such as encouraging employees to take a break for lunch or go for a walk. If companies have specific perks, such as mental health support or guided yoga sessions, AI can highlight these benefits at the right time, demonstrating to employees that they are being prioritised and cared for. Recognising that psychological safety is as crucial as physical safety, these AI interventions play a pivotal role in cultivating a healthy work environment where everyone feels valued for what they do and who they are.  

Conclusion 

Clearly, the integration of AI into employee engagement strategies is poised to revolutionise the workplace. By automating routine tasks, providing personalised experiences and offering data-driven insights, AI is a great tool when it comes to enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.

While AI is unlikely to ever replace an inspirational, empathetic and motivational manager, it’s likely that the future of employee engagement lies in the synergy between human intuition and AI-driven precision.

This vision is at the centre of what we do at People Insight, where we leverage AI in our survey analysis and platform navigation to deliver unparalleled insights and strategies for optimal employee engagement.

To learn more about how we are using AI within our employee surveys, get in touch today. We can help you track and boost levels of engagement in your organisation, providing a happier, more fulfilling employee experience for your team.