As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform workplace processes, the potential it holds is vast, offering opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve employee satisfaction. Looking ahead, AI will be instrumental in streamlining benefits administration, personalising offerings, and improving communication.
At Ricoh, one of the most promising applications of AI we are currently exploring is the streamlining of enrolment and administration.
AI-driven platforms can guide employees through the benefits selection process, offering virtual assistants to answer questions, provide recommendations, and handle ‘paperwork’.
This will simplify decision-making and ensure employees fully understand their options while reducing administrative burden.
What excites me most is how AI can analyse individual employee data to create truly customised benefits packages.
Traditionally, benefits have been a one-size-fits-all offering. By implementing machine learning, we will be able to tailor benefits to each person’s unique circumstances, life stage, and preferences; making these benefits more meaningful and valuable to our people.
Improving communication and education around benefits is another area where AI can add significant value. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide real-time responses to employee enquiries. These systems will continuously learn from interactions, becoming more helpful over time while delivering consistent, accurate information that employees can easily understand.
AI is a critical tool for the future of benefits management, making processes more intuitive, data-driven, and responsive to workforce needs.
However, while AI presents significant opportunities, employers must take a measured approach when implementing these solutions, ensuring that employee data privacy and protection remain a top priority.
More importantly, maintaining a human touch in more sensitive situations is crucial. AI should complement, not replace, human interactions in employee support and benefits management.
Toni Smith is reward and insights manager at Ricoh
