How can one differentiate between AI and Automation in an EX program?
An employee engagement platform sends a birthday card to the employee and reminds their manager that it’s the employee’s birthday – that’s automation. In another example, the EX platform reminds an employee of another’s birthday based on their past interactions – that’s Artificial Intelligence.
The key is to identify what’s what and implement it in a process that works for the organisation’s culture. At the heart of this culture lies an effective Rewards and Recognition (R&R) program, which boosts employee engagement and aligns with the company’s core values.
As companies strive to create an engaging and inclusive workplace, leveraging AI and technology to design an effective recognition program is necessary. Nowadays, organisations employ a diverse workforce involving individuals with various personalities and preferences. They also require a rewarding culture that can do justice to their hard work. So, the culture-fueled R&R program with AI and technology is not just about keeping up with the latest trends—it’s about creating a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged, and connected to the company’s mission and values.
On that note, Sourabh Deorah, Co-founder and CEO of AdvantageClub.ai, recently took the platform of People Matters TechHR India 2024 to share his expert insights on developing a new paradigm in employee experience i.e. powering it with an AI-based R&R program.
The Dawn of AI in R&R Programs
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in HR, offering innovative solutions to design and implement R&R programs that resonate with a diverse workforce. However, it’s crucial to understand that AI is not merely automation. While automation follows predetermined rules, AI learns and adapts, making it an ideal tool for creating dynamic and personalised recognition experiences.
For instance, Deorah shared an example of an AI-driven platform that knows when an employee prefers public recognition versus a private note of thanks or one that understands an employee’s reward preferences—be it a gift card, a day off, or a donation to a favourite charity. By tapping into these preferences, AI ensures that each recognition event feels personal and significant to the recipient.
The first step in designing an R&R program that fuels your organisation’s culture is aligning the program with your organisational values. AI can assist by analysing employee feedback and engagement data to identify the cultural attributes that matter most to your workforce. This data-driven approach enables HR teams to design recognition programs reinforcing desired behaviours and cultural norms.
A recognition program that fuels the business culture typically celebrates actions and achievements that exemplify the company’s core values. For example, if collaboration is a key value, the R&R program might emphasise team-based rewards or recognition for employees who consistently demonstrate teamwork. AI can support this by tracking and highlighting instances where employees exhibit these behaviours, ensuring that recognition is both timely and relevant.
Moreover, the addition of personalisation extends to the messaging around recognition. AI tools can assist managers in crafting personalised messages that acknowledge an employee’s specific contributions and the impact of their work. This level of detail enhanced the authenticity of the recognition, making it more meaningful for the employee.
Enhancing Employee Engagement with AI-Driven Rewards
Employee engagement is closely tied to how valued employees feel within their organisation. An effective R&R program, supported by AI, can significantly enhance engagement by ensuring that recognition is frequent and aligned with what employees value most.
For instance, AI can analyse engagement data to identify which rewards are most popular within different workforce segments. It can then adjust the reward offerings accordingly, ensuring that the R&R program remains relevant and engaging for all employees, regardless of their role or seniority.
Additionally, AI can help HR teams monitor the effectiveness of the R&R program by analysing metrics such as participation rates, employee feedback, and retention rates. This continuous feedback loop allows for ongoing optimisation of the program, ensuring it evolves alongside the workforce’s needs and preferences.
Flexibility and Inclusivity in R&R Programs
An R&R program that fuels the organisational culture, must also be flexible and inclusive, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of a modern workforce. AI can play a pivotal role here by enabling flexible benefits that can be tailored to individual employees.
For example, instead of offering a standardised wellness benefit, an AI-driven platform could allow employees to choose from a variety of options, such as gym memberships, mental health resources, or even financial wellness programs. This flexibility ensures that each employee can select the most relevant benefits, enhancing their overall satisfaction and engagement.
Furthermore, AI can help create an inclusive recognition environment by identifying and addressing biases in the recognition process. By analysing data across different demographics, AI can ensure that recognition is fairly distributed and that all employees have equal opportunities to be acknowledged for their contributions.
Moments That Matter: Leveraging AI to Celebrate Key Milestones
In addition to regular recognition, it’s important to celebrate the moments that matter in an employee’s life, such as work anniversaries, project completions, or personal milestones. AI can enhance these celebrations by ensuring they are personalised and meaningful.
In conclusion, designing a culture-fueled R&R program with AI and technology is about creating a workplace environment where employees with varied personalities, feel valued, engaged, and connected to the company’s mission and values. By leveraging AI to personalise recognition, enhance engagement, and ensure inclusivity, HR leaders can build an R&R program that truly reflects and strengthens the company’s culture.
As AI continues to evolve, so will opportunities to create more dynamic, responsive, and impactful R&R programs. The key is to start with a clear understanding of your company’s culture and use AI as a tool to amplify and reinforce that culture through meaningful recognition and rewards.