Chatbots are, for modern businesses, a gateway into the many uses of AI already up and running in the business world. These programs, developed through research into natural language processing, can imitate human conversation and solve tasks using an automated structure. Chatbots (bots is short for robots) can assist HR departments and leadership in several ways, particularly in highly repetitive tasks such as mandatory training, scheduling interviews, giving information about benefits, and other customer service needs. The HR chatbot programs have been specifically designed for the work of HR departments, and can be used across multiple platforms, such as company websites, email, and instant messaging and text services.
An example of the use of chatbots is in answering questions and making appointments for benefits counseling. Employees can seek out information through online chats, by looking up information online and requesting more, or phone calls requesting information. Chatbots can communicate the requested information, and are usually available during hours HR is closed. In addition, these decision-tree type of information systems can end with making an appointment if needs are not met, or sending documents that require signatures.
Chatbots can manage mandatory training and several onboarding tasks, and people can chose from a number of learning methods. Regular reporting on compliance with requirements can also update both employees and managers, without the impression of nagging that can sometimes occur with reminders from a person in the chain of command. Use of choice architecture in onboarding allows for simplicity and ease of use for health insurance, retirement choices, and other decisions.
For job seekers, several functions of chatbots can make the system seem open and eager to engage. Many FAQ programs are now bot-managed. An online chat for questions and online scheduling for interviews can be easily accomplished, as well as immediate feedback for interviews. Collecting user feedback and customer experience in real-time is one of the most talked-about benefits of these programs, and allows for agile change management.
As natural language processing has improved in leaps and bounds, new chatbots designed for specific tasks and functions are having a positive impact on business. Human resources departments are leading the way in the use of these new programs to streamline employee and customer interactions
