Quick Insights into AI in Employee Engagement
- Personalized learning journeys: Artificial intelligence can customize development plans based on an employee’s performance, preferences, and learning style making training more engaging and effective.
- Time freed for meaningful work: By automating repetitive tasks, AI allows employees to focus on creative, strategic activities that increase job satisfaction.
- Smarter engagement strategies: AI uncovers trends in feedback and performance data, helping organizations understand employee sentiment and intervene early to prevent disengagement.
- Stronger team connectivity: From real-time translations to chat sentiment analysis, AI enhances communication and collaboration across all teams including remote or hybrid ones.
- Continuous, objective feedback: AI enables real-time performance tracking and unbiased feedback, helping managers support growth while keeping employees motivated and aligned.
Keeping a workforce engaged is a huge challenge — especially when it is a global workforce. Companies that get it right are generally innovative, forward-thinking, and driven to succeed. They identify the importance of employee engagement and the role it plays in enhanced employee performance and productivity.
Table of contents
- Quick Insights into AI in Employee Engagement
- What is the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Employee Engagement
- Tools that Connect AI and Employee Engagement
- Limitations of Traditional Approaches to Employee Engagement
- How CSU Stanislaus Changed its Approach to Employee Engagement
- 6 Actionable AI Strategies to Improve Employee Engagement
- Benefits of Using AI in Employee Engagement
- Cerkl’s AI in Employee Engagement: A Success Story
- What’s Next?
- FAQ
In the past few years, an increasing number of organizations have started using artificial intelligence or AI in employee engagement, with remarkable results.
Many have learned that AI streamlines tasks, accelerates talent acquisition, fosters engagement, and reduces turnover, offering a superior employee experience. As long ago as 2019, a Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) study showed that a staggering 88% of organizations globally leverage AI in HR. However, this statistic doesn’t seem to be shifting.
Grammarly’s 2024 State of Business Communication report, which focuses on the potential of artificial intelligence to turn overload into impact, identifies glaring gaps between AI usage and AI proficiency. For example, 89% of business leaders actively use Generative (Gen) AI for professional purposes, while only 53% of knowledge workers do. Of these 53%, 52% say they don’t know how to use Gen AI tools effectively. The greatest success seems to lie in professionals using Gen AI for writing tasks, with 72% stating they use it for business communication.
The report reveals two sides of the story:
- Artificial intelligence can provide a competitive edge, such as improved productivity, better collaboration, and enhanced efficiency. It also streamlines tasks and boosts engagement.
- But if it isn’t adopted correctly, AI can proliferate the costs of poor communication, increase bias, and create significant security and privacy challenges.
What is the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Employee Engagement
In its 2024 Employee Experience Trends Report, Qualtrics reveals that the more engaged employees are, the more open they are to using AI at work. According to Sarah Marss, Qualtrics director of EX Strategy Execution, an engaged employee who has a positive experience will recognize that AI is enhancing the experience. But, if employees lack trust, they will blame AI for increasing the poor behavior and decisions they think they have seen.
The report states that 53% of engaged employees say they’re comfortable with AI at work, versus 30% of disengaged employees. Further, 65% of the C-suite reported being comfortable with AI, versus 46% of managers.
“Generally, the more positive you feel about your organization – the more trust you have in it – and the more senior your role, the more likely you are to believe that your organization will use AI for your benefit. You also trust that AI will make you more productive and efficient at your job.” Sarah Marrs
Tools that Connect AI and Employee Engagement
AI and employee engagement are connected through various mechanisms:
- Personalization: AI algorithms can analyze individual preferences, behaviors, and feedback to personalize communication and experiences. This fosters a deeper connection between employees and the organization.
- Feedback analysis: AI-powered sentiment (mind-reading) analysis tools can analyze employee feedback from surveys, social media, or other channels. This enables organizations to understand employee sentiment and address concerns promptly, improving employee engagement.
- Predictive analytics: AI can predict trends and patterns related to employee engagement based on historical data, enabling proactive measures to enhance engagement before issues arise.
- Learning and development: AI-driven learning platforms can provide personalized training and development opportunities tailored to individual employee needs and career goals. The use of these platforms promotes continuous learning and engagement.
- Workflow automation: By automating repetitive tasks and administrative processes, AI frees up employees’ time, allowing them to focus on meaningful work that aligns with their interests and strengths, again enhancing employee engagement.
Ultimately, artificial intelligence empowers organizations to understand, connect with, and empower their employees in ways that improve and enhance their engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.
Limitations of Traditional Approaches to Employee Engagement
During 2024, Tarel Kamil, the founder and CEO of Cerkl Inc., was a speaker at the 11th Annual Strategic Internal Communications – West, hosted by the Advanced Learning Institute (ALI). Held in San Francisco, it is ranked as the #1 top-rated conference for internal communicators.
Tarek’s talk, A.I. Saved Our Inboxes (and we couldn’t be happier) focused on the experience that California State University (CSU), Stanislaus has had since they started using Broadcast in 2018. It tracked what their internal communications — which were originally primarily one-off emails — were like between 1957 and 2017 and how they have evolved after implementing Broadcast.
Looking back at the traditional approach CSU Stanislaus followed before 2018, it’s easy to see its severe limitations. Apart from the fact that they were limited to one-off emails, inbox stuffing was a major audience pain. Also, there were no analytics and no ability to schedule emails. There were no design “guardrails” in the form of messages built outside the tool and forwarded. Commonly, there were accessibility issues as well.
These are, in essence, typical limitations organizations faced — and sometimes still face — when they use (or like CSU Stanislaus used) traditional approaches to employee engagement.
How CSU Stanislaus Changed its Approach to Employee Engagement
After implementing Cerkl Broadcast in 2018, CSU Stanislaus identified these impacts that continue today:
- Email Blasts and other communications can be personalized to each individual recipient
- Value of messages where need-to-know information is always the lead
- There is an increased content reach
- The staff time needed to create newsletters has been eliminated
- Full analytics are now available
- They have constant access to a microsite with past content
- They can give employees the opportunity for constant learning
The image below shows how Cerkl technology changed the way they approached internal communications. This, in turn, enabled them to change their approach to employee engagement.
Takeaways from the Conference
Those attending the conference learned how CSU Stanislaus benefited. This is how work should be, and Cerkl Broadcast will help you ensure it works for you too:
- Personalization drives engagement
- AI is perfectly suited for “mass personalization”
- Automation saves time
- We need to listen and learn about our audience
- We must recognize the importance of data
6 Actionable AI Strategies to Improve Employee Engagement
AI has the potential to be a powerful driver of employee engagement, but only when used intentionally. Rather than seeing AI as a standalone solution, organizations should view it as a set of tools that support people-centered strategies. The key is to apply AI in ways that strengthen transparency, trust, and connection.
In Striking AI Gold for Internal Communications & Employee Engagement, Bill Bain, head of communications at Arch Calderon Inc. in New York urges organizations to look ahead responsibly. He cautions that transparency, fairness, and a healthy respect for privacy need to underpin every AI application. This, he says, will ensure that while technology improves communication, it does it ethically and mindfully, prioritizing employee well-being and trust.
“Maintaining ethical standards in leveraging AI tools is imperative as teams navigate this transformative journey.” Bill Bain
With that in mind, here are six ethical, practical strategies to use AI in your employee engagement efforts. Each contributes to the core engagement goals explored here:
#1 AI-Powered News Digests
Keep employees informed without overwhelming them. AI-powered content curation tools can analyze individual preferences, job roles, and behaviors to deliver personalized news digests or intranet content. These systems ensure that each employee receives relevant updates while avoiding information overload.
By delivering tailored communication, organizations can increase message relevance, reduce digital fatigue, and make employees feel more connected to company priorities. This type of personalization improves not only engagement but also communication effectiveness.
#2 Virtual Assistants for Employee Support
Imagine having an AI assistant available 24/7 to answer employee questions, guide these through HR processes, and offer instant support, freeing up HR teams for strategic initiatives. Today, it’s a reality that empowers employees with faster resolutions, fostering a sense of accessibility and responsiveness, leading to higher engagement.
#3 Real-Time Feedback and Recognition
If you don’t provide employees with real-time feedback they can easily become disillusioned, thinking management doesn’t care about their input.
AI can analyze data and provide regular, objective feedback on performance and areas for improvement, promoting a culture of continuous learning. Personalized recognition based on data reinforces positive behavior and motivates employees to contribute their best work, boosting morale, engagement, and employee satisfaction.
#4 Automated Performance Management
Automated performance management eliminates tedious performance reviews with AI-powered systems that track progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and suggest development opportunities. This frees up managers’ time for coaching and mentoring while empowering employees with data-driven insights for growth. It also fosters employee engagement.
#5 Personalized Learning and Development
AI can tailor learning paths and resources based on individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This empowers employees to pursue personal and professional development, fueling a sense of ownership and purpose.
Additionally, adaptive learning platforms leverage AI to adjust content and pace to each learner, maximizing engagement and knowledge retention.
#6 Predictive Analytics for Employee Well-being
AI can analyze data to identify potential burnout, stress, or disengagement before these issues escalate. This allows for proactive intervention through targeted support or well-being resources. By prioritizing employee well-being, AI helps to create a positive and supportive work environment, fostering loyalty and long-term engagement.
Benefits of Using AI in Employee Engagement
Core strategies for successfully using AI in employee engagement to provide personalized learning and development opportunities, automate tasks to free up employees’ time, and analyze data to gain insights into employee sentiment and needs. AI-powered systems can also track employee performance, provide personalized feedback, and even predict potential issues like disengagement, allowing for proactive interventions.
Here’s a more detailed look at how artificial intelligence is transforming employee engagement.
Personalization of Learning and Development
AI algorithms can analyze individual employee data such as performance history, interests, and learning styles, which can create tailored development plans. This personalized approach makes training more relevant and engaging, improving knowledge retention and skill growth.
Virtual AI coaches can support employees in setting goals, navigating career paths, and overcoming challenges, helping them envision a future within the organization. This kind of personalized guidance increases motivation and fosters a sense of purpose.
Additionally, AI can offer regular, unbiased feedback based on performance data, supporting a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This reduces the risk of human bias and helps employees feel fairly assessed and supported.
Improved Communication and Collaboration
AI enhances internal communications by powering smart tools that manage meeting logistics, offer real-time language translation, and analyze tone or sentiment in chats and emails. Chatbots and virtual assistants can answer employee questions, handle administrative tasks, and provide instant support, helping to break down communication barriers and promote inclusivity.
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can instantly respond to employee questions or handle basic tasks, increasing accessibility and responsiveness. At a team level, AI can analyze collaboration patterns and recommend optimal team compositions based on complementary skills and personalities, fostering better team dynamics and a sense of belonging.
Automation of Repetitive Tasks
AI excels at handling repetitive, time-consuming administrative tasks such as data entry, scheduling, or summarizing text. This frees up employees so they can focus on more meaningful, strategic work.
This shift not only boosts productivity but also empowers employees to use their strengths and creativity, leading to higher job satisfaction. Choosing the right AI tools for specific functions including communication and database management, or communications, can ensure the most effective results.
Data-Driven Insights
AI can process large volumes of employee data from sources including surveys, feedback platforms, and performance metrics to uncover patterns and trends. These insights enable internal communicators, HR leaders, and organizations as a whole to better understand employee sentiment and fine-tune their engagement strategies.
Crucially, AI can also detect early signs of disengagement, burnout, or cultural issues, enabling HR teams and managers to take timely, proactive measures before problems escalate.
Enhanced Performance Management and Recognition
With AI, performance management becomes more continuous and individualized. Automated tracking systems provide real-time feedback together with suggestions for growth, helping employees and managers align goals and expectations.
AI can also identify and reward achievements using objective data, ensuring fair recognition across the organization. To make recognition more engaging, some companies use animation software to create dynamic certificates or celebratory videos. This inevitably adds a creative, personal touch to appreciation efforts.
Additionally, AI tools can recommend wellness initiatives, flexible work arrangements, or personalized support resources, reinforcing an organization’s commitment to employee well-being and empowerment.
Increased Efficiency and Empowerment
Repetitive tasks are boring, but AI can handle many of these efficiently, including routine data entry, scheduling, and summarizing text. Just be sure to choose an AI model that is designed for the task or tasks that are important to you — an AI database editor or a summarizer tool, for instance.
Ultimately, by using AI, companies can free up employees’ time for more creative and strategic work. This reduces burnout and allows employees to focus on their strengths, leading to increased satisfaction and engagement.
AI-powered apps can suggest flexible work arrangements, childcare options, or wellness resources. It demonstrates concern for staff well-being and empowers them to manage their work-life balance effectively, leading to higher employee engagement.
Remarkably, AI can identify and reward individual and team achievements based on objective data matches. This personalized recognition reinforces positive behavior and motivates employees to contribute their best work, improving employee performance.
To further enhance the recognition process, animation software can be used to create visually engaging rewards, such as animated certificates or celebratory videos, that acknowledge individual and team accomplishments.
Cerkl’s AI in Employee Engagement: A Success Story
Cerkl has been empowering organizations through Broadcast, its AI-powered platform since 2018, all the while constantly improving the software to enhance employee engagement. You’ve seen how Broadcast has enabled CSU Stanislaus.
Another company that Cerkl has empowered is St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Headquartered in Kentucky, it incorporates six hospitals operating through southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky, as well as specialty and primary care facilities throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Communicators were attracted by Cerkl Broadcast’s ability to personalize internal communications. More specifically, they identified the advantages of improving employee engagement using AI-powered email and intranet personalization.
Prior to joining forces with Cerkl, St. Elizabeth communicators relied on PDF documents attached to emails. They couldn’t measure engagement in terms of numbers let alone individuals. Communications manager Chad Schwalbach recognized the importance of their audience and wanted to overcome the challenges of making sure the right people received the right comms at the right time.
Describing how segmentation and personalization make it so much easier for internal communicators to deliver effective messaging, Chad Schwalbach says it’s quick and easy, and helps us to deliver specific information to specific people.“
“Our communications are getting through. We’re breaking through to the people that we need to reach.” Chad Schwalback
Employee Engagement Before Cerkl
Challenges that St. Elizabeth Healthcare faced before implementing Cerkl Broadcast included engaging a dispersed workforce, creating unified comms for diverse teams, and personalizing newsletter content for employees.
Chad and his team had to guess what employees wanted to know about. Furthermore, some employees wanted to receive newsletters on Fridays, at the end of the week Others preferred to get content first thing on a Monday morning. And there was no way to measure engagement.
“We didn’t know who was clicking on what. It simply wasn’t effective communication.” Chad Schwalback
Employee Engagement After Cerkl
Using Audience Manager, St. Elizabeth was able to implement segmentation, targeting employees on one hand and medical staff and physicians on the other. Cerkl’s Insights gave the content team a complete overview of staffers’ interests, down to each subscriber, enabling personalization. Cerkl tells St. Elizabeth what topics interest staff, what content performs well, and who is becoming more or less engaged — all because they are using AI in employee engagement.
Switching to Cerkl Broadcast gave Chad and his team more insight than they’d ever had before. After publishing about 6,500 pieces of content, they could identify a 54% open rate for employees and a 46% open rate for medical staff.
Once they had access to data behind their communications, St. Elizabeth was able to tailor new content and give people the information they really wanted. They could get a better sense of employee engagement issues, including what they were interested in and how frequently they were accessing content.
Beyond the statistics, they could see that using AI was improving employee engagement and helping to develop a stronger company culture.
“The biggest thing we’ve noticed since implementing Cerkl Broadcast is that our readership, our clicks, and our opens are all up. And they’re all above national averages. Not only is it satisfying to know that we’re reaching people, we’re giving them information that engages them, and it makes it easier to go up the chain.” Chad Schwalback
What’s Next?
Cerkl Broadcast enables you to introduce AI in employee engagement. Our AI-powered platform delivers personalized emails and intranet content to engage and inform employees. That’s a great start. But we can also help you to transform and strategize your internal comms with our AI-powered template. It’s easy to use and designed for organizations to customize it to their specific needs and take it to the next level.
Free Internal Communications Strategy Template to Optimize Your Process
Tailor our free template to cater to the unique needs and communication goals of your organization. It’s a great way to streamline your strategies and ensure that your internal communications will drive measurable impact.
FAQ
AI is commonly used in employee engagement to personalize experiences through learning, career coaching, and feedback. It uses sentiment analysis to understand the emotional tone behind written words and predictive analytics to identify factors affecting engagement. This is particularly useful to accurately review feedback and assess employee satisfaction. It also boosts efficiency by automating tasks and using work-life balance tools.
AI can be used in employment for tasks such as resume screening, candidate sourcing, skills matching, and automating administrative HR processes. It is also very useful for applying adaptive learning paths during training to ultimately improve employee performance.
AI benefits employees by streamlining repetitive tasks, providing personalized learning and development opportunities, and enhancing job satisfaction through improved work-life balance and reduced workload. It also empowers employees with efficient tools and improves communication and collaboration.
