AI-Powered Communication: Elevating Engagement and Efficiency in the Workplace

Enterprises today are rapidly flocking to AI-based technology solutions and uses for their organizations. Research released earlier this year by IBM revealed that about 40% of organizations are currently exploring or experimenting with AI. Furthermore, the market forecast anticipates “an incredible surge in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, expecting the market value to ascend from $214.6 billion in 2024 to a remarkable $1.33 trillion by 2030”. In fact, data from McKinsey shows just how rapidly enterprises are adopting AI. Over the last 7 years the percentage of companies using AI in at least one business function went from 20% in 2017, to 56% in 2021 and is expected to reach 72% in 2024.

AI brings an unprecedented opportunity for enterprises to increase productivity and efficiency, improve decision making, personalize customer service, optimize communication and engagement, and much more.

Also Read: Managing AI Infrastructure Costs for Sustainable Growth

AI Communication Use Cases

One of most widespread use cases of AI in the enterprise is for faster communications amongst colleagues. Incorporating an AI chatbot feature into messaging tools can streamline communications by responding to queries automatically. Something as simple as generating automatic response options provides users with the ability to address the message and move onto the next task. In instances with international users, an AI chatbot can provide real-time translations – removing language barriers for collaborators. AI can also manage administrative tasks like scheduling meetings and summarizing calls into quick actionable notes. These kinds of features further drive productivity and efficiency among teams.

There are applications for AI across various workplace departments like sales, human resources (HR), support and marketing. For example, in HR, artificial intelligence can be equipped with the employee handbook and have access to internal documents. With this, the technology can be used to answer simple employee questions related to the company’s policies and procedures. In a customer support setting, AI can be used to troubleshoot common issues or provide status updates on orders. In both cases, AI is a helpful tool that allows the managers to focus on bigger projects and give more personalized attention to other matters.

Because closed-source artificial intelligence operates solely on the information and data it is fed, it also allows enterprises to improve decision-making. Without AI integrated, employees often make decisions either consciously or subconsciously with prejudice. When AI is involved, however, decisions will not be made with innate human-biases, and instead be based on factual data. This can be helpful for a sales department in lead qualification or account verification. For example, if a sales member was looking to determine if a new lead was viable, AI would be able to look at all the account information and provide a factual, data-based recommendation and risk assessment. To further improve efficiency for a sales team, AI would be helpful here for data entry.

In the marketing department, to improve communications with outsiders, AI can be used to craft, manage and send out email campaigns and social media posts. This allows the team to focus on ideating new approaches or creating impactful projects, all while still remaining in contact with outside customers.

In all instances, there is potential for widespread improvement in communication, productivity and efficiency. A survey by IBM found that 30% of global IT professionals said employees at their organization are already saving time with new AI and automation software/tools.

Safety First

However, for AI technologies to deliver the most value to organizations, employees need training on the safe and responsible use of these technologies. Before deploying AI, it is important to train employees on best practices for responsibly using AI and educate them on the damaging consequences of misusing the technology including compromised data security and privacy. Additionally, developing policies and protocols for the appropriate and responsible use of AI is critical for the best, safest outcomes.

The confidence enterprises have in AI’s ability is growing exponentially. Enterprise leaders are seeing the increasing business value of the technology, too. Looking ahead, the adoption of AI in various applications will become mainstream and productivity, efficiency and operations will improve by means of AI-powered communication.

Also Read: The AI Landscape: Technology Stack and Challenges

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