Our recent webinar hosted by Microsoft and Josh Bersin, ”The Employee Experience Platform Evolves in the Era of AI,” brought together industry experts including Josh Bersin, CEO and Global Industry Analyst from The Josh Bersin Company; Kathi Enderes, SVP and Global Industry Analyst from The Josh Bersin Company; and Prerna Ajmera, GM of HR Digital Strategy and Innovation from Microsoft. With business leaders seeking to enhance productivity, engagement, and well-being, AI-powered solutions are reshaping how organizations support their workforce. Here are six key insights from the event that highlight the evolving landscape of employee experience in the AI era.
Watch the Microsoft & Josh Bersin Webinar: The Employee Experience Platform Evolves in the Era of AI
1. The Super Worker Effect
One of the most compelling insights from the event that the Bersin team shared was the concept of the "Super Worker Effect. This idea emphasizes that the most significant factor in AI adoption is not the technology itself but workforce readiness. AI has the potential to transform employees into "super workers" by amplifying their capabilities, enhancing productivity, and enabling more meaningful work. Organizations must focus on preparing their workforce to leverage AI effectively, ensuring that employees can harness the full potential of these advanced tools.
2. The Role of the Employee Experience Platform
The employee experience platform (EXP) plays a crucial role in the AI transformation journey. With the advent of generative AI, the role of EXPs like Microsoft Viva is evolving. The Bersin team shared that these platforms are becoming more personalized, streamlined, and impactful, interfacing with employees, contractors, and managers in natural language. This personalization enhances communication, skill-building, and overall employee engagement, making the EXP an indispensable tool in the modern workplace.
3. Change Agility in AI Transformation
Traditional change management approaches are no longer sufficient in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. As Kathi Enderes from the Josh Bersin Company emphasized, there’s a need for "change agility," a dynamic approach to managing change that focuses on continuous adaptation and growth. Unlike static change management, change agility involves iterative processes, bottom-up transformation, and a growth mindset. The EXP can support this by facilitating communication, tracking goals, and providing ongoing training and support.
4. HR's Leadership Role in AI Transformation
HR departments have a pivotal role in leading AI transformation within organizations. Drawing on real-world insights from Prerna Ajmera and Microsoft’s own journey, as AI reshapes the workforce, HR must take on a leadership role in ensuring workforce readiness, driving change agility, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. HR professionals need to work collaboratively across the enterprise, partnering with IT, legal, and operations to implement AI tools and redesign job practices. This leadership is essential for creating a supportive environment where employees can thrive in the AI era.
5. Personalized Learning and Development (L&D)
Effective communication and personalization are key to successful AI transformation. Prerna Ajmera suggests that using EXPs to tailor communication and create personalized employee journeys is crucial. By leveraging AI, organizations can deliver the right information to the right people at the right time, enhancing engagement and satisfaction. Additionally, fostering a culture of experimentation and sharing success stories can build positive momentum for AI adoption. Ajmera also highlighted how AI is revolutionizing learning and development strategies by analyzing skills, recommending tailored courses, and creating individualized development paths, aligning employee growth with organizational objectives.
6. Microsoft’s Approach to Building AI-Enabled HR Experiences
Microsoft's approach to building AI-enabled HR experiences is comprehensive and multifaceted. The company focuses on responsible AI principles, connecting solutions with M365 and Viva, and leveraging AI-enabled tools like Employee Self-Service Agent to enhance employee experience and improve HR processes. Microsoft's strategy involves breaking down silos within HR, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring that AI tools are accessible and beneficial to all employees.
Conclusion
Microsoft & Josh Bersin provided valuable insights into how AI is not just a technological update-it is transforming how organizations engage, develop, and support their people. By leveraging AI-driven EX platforms, companies can foster a more agile, skilled, and satisfied workforce, positioning themselves for success in the evolving world of work.
For more insights:
- Access the full report by HR technology leader Josh Bersin, in collaboration with Microsoft: “The Employee Experience Platform Evolves in the Era of AI.”
- Read our blog on how we’re using the Employee Self-Service Agent
- Join us for our April webinar in the Viva Community: Think Like a People Scientist: Bridge HR and IT for AI Success
