Boosting Productivity and Engagement: How HR Can Show Workers the Way
A 2023 study conducted by Harvard Business School with the Boston Consulting Group found that consultants using AI to solve realistic and complex tasks completed work 25.1% more quickly. The completed work was also 40% higher quality than the control group. With the help of robust technological advancement, organizations are forging new ways to boost productivity and engagement.During an executive panel discussion at From Day One’s Philadelphia conference, HR professionals and business leaders shared insights on adapting to the digital era, empowering employees, and crafting unique strategies to drive positive business results.The HBS study highlights how organizations that successfully combine generative AI with human work in knowledge-intensive fields experience significant boosts in productivity. Such new technology is also seen transforming workplaces across multiple industries.For example, Cindy Alisesky, VP of talent acquisition, onboarding, and digital talent solutions for GSK, shared that the company integrated Microsoft Bookings to support admin work. This tool gave leaders back time for important conversations to achieve better business outcomes. GSK also integrated a new internal ChatGPT called GiGi, improving time efficiency and allowing recruiters to focus on other productive tasks.Jason Radisson, CEO and founder of Movo, shared the significant ways technology is used to organize frontline employee schedule preferences to improve productivity. He highlighted how improved work allocation sees a 30-40% employee productivity increase.Radisson highlighted that using technology to assign work to frontline employees is a game changer, allowing them to take on the jobs they want faster and with less bureaucratic procedures. This new ease and flexibility over their work has substantially improved the productivity and career trajectory for frontline workers.Tonia McMillan, vice president of HR strategy and shared services at Amtrak, spoke about the company’s Extra Board for frontline managers with open availability to complete different roles within the company. The system gives managers opportunities to work in other areas and develop new skill sets that will be advantageous when being considered for promotions.Panelists spoke about "Boosting Productivity and Engagement: How HR Can Show Workers the Way"While many workplaces are reaping the benefits of innovative software and generative AI, these technologies have yet to be fully integrated across all industries, leaving some still missing out. However, that may change by 2030 where tasks adding up to 30% of work hours could be automated because of the widespread trend of generative AI use.Learning, Development, and EngagementAriella Cohen, Deputy Managing Editor, News at the Philadelphia Inquirer, moderated the sessionStreamlined workloads free up more time for employees to take on new roles and learning opportunities. As software and AI handle complex, repetitive tasks, organizations can refine and reshape HR models, fostering more engaging and fulfilling workplace cultures.HR leaders are establishing more projects, initiatives, and programs to support skill development and maintain employee engagement.Jamaal Sebastian-Barnes, VP of talent and culture at Bristol Meyers Squibb, spoke about the launch of a new skills-based platform where employees within the organization can apply to work on different projects. They also receive training to fulfill new roles posted on the platform. This supports internal mobility as employees can advance from part-time gigs into new full-time roles within the company.Finally, Nicole Boyko, senior workforce transformation consultant at Perceptyx, emphasized the effectiveness of nudging to boost and maintain employee engagement. Using multiple listening channels and chat channels to gather employee feedback is crucial to boosting engagement, Boyko says. Managers at Perceptyx use insight from those channels with company data to strategize employee development.Changing listening strategies with new objectives to encourage participation, having discussions about employee feedback, and delivering changes using the feedback combined with accurate data as quickly as possible creates positive behavioral changes. Acknowledging the feedback, and incorporating the insight gained into action planning to facilitate coaching, leadership development, and more improves engagement. The process reinvigorates trust and confidence among workers.Undoubtedly, the integration of new software and generative AI supports HR professionals in creating newer and more dynamic programs, policies, and strategies to boost company productivity and culture.Stephanie Reed is a freelance news, marketing, and content writer. Much of her work features small business owners throughout diverse industries. She is passionate about promoting small, ethical, and eco-conscious businesses.