Here’s how conversation-based technology is enabling a connected workplace

Companies operating in the era of ‘Business 4.0’ cater to a multi-generational workforce that is spread across geographies – with employees working virtually at a time that is convenient to them. In this context, communication no longer moves through a chain of hierarchy, if companies need to make the most of digital opportunity, they need to break through information silos.

A connected workplace is not about implementing a new set of technology tools, it is about embracing a cultural shift to create an open environment where employees are encouraged to share, innovate and collaborate virtually. While technology solutions like ERPs helped foster the shift early-on, companies today have access to mature Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based solutions. Conversational interfaces that use AI technology are disrupting conventional processes and transforming workplace experience.

Take the example of Jinie, a ChatBot from PeopleStrong which is designed to support the employee throughout their tenure with the company – right from recruitment, learning and development and workplace issues. Jinie is part of a smart conversational interface Messenger that helps employees connect, converse and collaborate in a secure environment.

As and when an employee joins the company, Jinie helps ensure his/her smooth onboarding. It prompts the employee to share essential documents, sends reminders and follows-up with communication.

It not only decreases the burden of HR but it also takes care of the employee experience. Employees no longer have to wait for the HR to respond to their basic queries and HR professionals can focus their attention on critical business needs. At a later stage in the employee lifecycle, Jinie can recommend learning courses contextualized to their role to help an employee grow in their career. Since it’s conversational, it also responds to all employee queries. For instance, if someone is not feeling motivated and wants to take up a different role, Jinie can suggest alternate opportunities. While the conversations continue to happen, the technology has radically transformed the process.

Besides strengthening employee-centric conversations for HR and managers, conversational interfaces like Messenger are also allowing employees to stay connected with peers and workgroups. It provides a platform to the employees where they can securely share business data and work on-the-go. In short, it’s a social media app that brings employees across functions, hierarchies, and regions together.

Companies like Indigo, Mahindra and Mahindra and HCL are utilizing interfaces like these to ensure that their employees are connected to each other 24*7.  “Human Capital Management has transformed the HR experience of our widely distributed workforce,” says Ekta Bhardwaj, Head Shared Services HR, HCL Infosystems Ltd. 

Conversational interfaces are directly impacting business – with increased productivity, enhanced employee engagement and buy-in from the younger generation. They are helping HR and business leaders to improve communication, cross-functional collaboration and to promote creative approaches to problem-solving, enabling them to build and design a truly connected enterprise. 

This article is a part of our campaign #HRTechThatMatters in partnership with PeopleStrong. Click here to read other articles in this series.

This article is part of PeopleStrong & PeopleMatters Learning Initiative