Chatbots have recently become a must-have online tool for agile companies, with the usage of chatbots as a brand communication channel increasing by a whopping 92% in the last three years. Most organizations, including those that partner with AI consulting firms, rely on this technology to enhance customer service and boost operational efficiency. However, chatbots can also be leveraged in HR departments to streamline hiring processes and manage employee relations, simplifying the job of HR professionals while increasing overall employee satisfaction.
How is this even possible? Keep reading to learn about chatbots and the benefits they bring to HR teams.
What Is a Chatbot?
A chatbot is a computer program that imitates human conversation. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand the user’s intent and respond accordingly. Chatbots can either be used in messenger platforms or standalone applications. They interpret user input and generate output in an attempt to mimic a real conversation.
The most advanced chatbots can even hold a conversation that is indistinguishable from a human one. The majority of chatbots use some form of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which allows them to understand user input and generate natural-sounding responses. Thanks to its amazing abilities, a typical chatbot can answer nearly 80% of standard questions.
There are different types of AI algorithms that chatbots can use, but the most common ones are based on machine learning. This means that the program is constantly learning from new interactions and getting better at simulating human conversation over time.
The Pros of Chatbots in HR and Recruiting
Now that you know what chatbots are, it’s time to learn about how they can help your HR department. Here are the main benefits of using this technology in HR and recruiting.
Streamline the recruitment process
A chatbot can be used to engage with job candidates and collect their contact information. It can also answer common questions about the company, the job opening, and the hiring process. This way, you can free up your HR team’s time so they can focus on more qualified candidates.
In addition, chatbots can screen candidates by asking them questions about their skills and experience. You can also use chatbots to conduct first-round interviews. This way, you can quickly identify the most qualified candidates and move them on to the next stage of the hiring process.
Provide onboarding assistance
New employees often have a lot of questions during their first days on the job. A chatbot can help them with onboarding by providing answers to common questions. It can also direct them to the right resources, such as the company handbook or the HR department.
Besides that, chatbots can be used to collect feedback from new employees. This way, you can identify any problems with the onboarding process and make necessary changes.
Reduce costs
According to the report, chatbots can cut operational costs by up to 30%. This is because they automate a lot of tasks that are typically handled by human employees. For example, a chatbot can be used to schedule interviews, collect feedback, and answer common questions.
At the same time, chatbots never take sick days or vacations. This means you can rely on them 24/7, which increases your team’s efficiency.
The Pros of Chatbots in Managing Internal Relationships
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, chatbots can also have a huge impact on internal relationships. Here are a few ways how:
Eliminate communication barriers
There are often communication problems between different departments in a company. In terms of communication content writing plays an crucial role. For example, the marketing team may not be aware of the latest changes in the product development process. Chatbots can help to solve this problem by providing employees with information from other departments.
Run through transition periods smoothly
There are often times of transition in a company, such as when a new product is launched or a new system is implemented. Chatbots can help to run through these periods smoothly by providing employees with the latest information and answering their questions. This way, there is less confusion and disruptions during these times.
The same thing happens when your organization needs to comply with new regulations. Chatbots can help by providing employees with the latest information about the changes.
Increase transparency
The use of chatbots can increase transparency in the workplace. For example, if an employee has a question about their vacation days, they can simply ask the chatbot. The chatbot will then provide them with the answer from the HR department.
That way, employees don’t have to go through the hassle of emailing or calling different departments – they can just get the information they need quickly and easily.
Help with routine tasks
There are many routine tasks in a company that may take up a lot of time, such as scheduling meeting rooms or ordering office supplies. Chatbots can help with these tasks by taking care of them automatically. This allows employees to concentrate on more important tasks that require full focus and dedication.
Collect employee feedback
Another way to use chatbots for internal communication is to collect employee feedback. This can be done through surveys or polls that are sent directly to employees’ chatbot inboxes. The advantage of this method is that you can collect feedback quickly and easily, without interrupting employees’ workflows.
It’s a critical success factor, especially if you know that 69% of employees claim they would work harder if they felt their efforts were being recognized through feedback.
Make announcements and give updates
You can also rely on chatbots as a communication channel that releases official announcements and gives updates to employees. For example, if there is a change in the company’s dress code, the chatbot can announce it to all employees. With this type of automation, you can be sure that everyone in the company is up-to-date with the latest news and changes.
The Bottom Line
This is just a small sample of the many benefits that chatbots can offer for HR and internal enterprise use. As you can see, chatbots can help to improve communication, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your internal processes, chatbots are definitely worth considering.
