The Gist
- Uneven distribution. AI in customer experience is often prioritized due to immediate, measurable returns, leaving employee experience less emphasized.
- Complex barriers. AI in employee experience is perceived as more complex due to necessary organizational changes, thus slowing its adoption.
- Holistic need. AI in CX and EX should be balanced for a sustainable, effective Human Experience, correcting the current lopsided distribution.
Organizations are constantly striving to enhance their customer experiences (CX) and employee experiences (EX) to stay competitive. These experiences, when combined, contribute to what we call the Human Experience (HX).
As businesses look to improve HX, many are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool. However, the infusion of AI in HX is not evenly distributed between upstream and downstream processes.
In this article, a follow-up to our exploration of industry-specific use cases of AI in customer experience and employee experience earlier this week, today we dive into how AI can be infused into HX, why there’s a lopsided distribution and the implications of this imbalance.
Let’s take a look at AI in customer experience and employee experience.
AI in Customer Experience and Employee Experience: HX = CX + EX
Before delving into the infusion of AI in customer experience and employee experience, let’s first understand the components of the equation
- CX (Customer Experience): This represents the experiences and interactions a customer has with a company throughout their journey. CX focuses on areas like personalized marketing, user-friendly interfaces and responsive customer support.
- EX (Employee Experience): EX is about creating a positive work environment for employees. It encompasses factors such as job satisfaction, workplace culture, training and technology tools that facilitate productivity.
- HX (Human Experience): HX is the sum of CX and EX. It reflects the overall experience that a company offers both its customers and employees. A high HX indicates that an organization excels in both domains.
Related Article: The Holistic Equation: Why HX = CX + EX
Infusing AI Into Customer Experience and Employee Experience
AI can be infused into HX in various ways, impacting both CX and EX:
Improving Customer Experience (CX):
- Personalization: AI algorithms analyze customer data to provide personalized recommendations, content and product suggestions, enhancing the CX.
- Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI chatbots offer 24/7 support, addressing customer queries promptly and efficiently.
- Predictive Analytics: AI can predict customer behavior, enabling companies to anticipate needs and address issues before they arise.
Enhancing Employee Experience (EX):
- Automated Tasks: AI automates repetitive tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their roles.
- Learning and Development: AI-powered tools can recommend personalized training programs, helping employees acquire new skills.
- Wellness Support: AI can monitor employee well-being, detect signs of stress and suggest interventions to improve EX.
Related Article: The Art of Balancing Employee Experience and Customer Experience
The Lopsided Distribution
The lopsided distribution of AI infusion in HX arises from several factors:
- Immediate Returns: Many organizations prioritize CX enhancements as they often yield more immediate, quantifiable returns in terms of increased sales and customer loyalty.
- Perceived Complexity: Implementing AI in EX often involves organizational changes, training and cultural shifts, making it seem more complex and time-consuming.
- Resource Allocation: Limited resources, both financial and human, may be allocated more to CX initiatives, leaving less for EX.
Related Article: EX and CX Come Down to the Same Thing: Put the Person First
The Implications
The lopsided infusion of AI in HX has important implications:
- Potential Imbalance: Focusing excessively on CX without balancing EX can lead to disengaged and overworked employees, ultimately impacting CX negatively.
- Employee Retention: Neglecting EX can result in high employee turnover, which in turn affects CX as knowledgeable employees are essential in delivering superior service.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Achieving a harmonious HX requires attention to both CX and EX. Organizations should strive for a balanced approach to ensure long-term sustainability.
For another future article in our exploration of the connection between customer experience, employee experience and artificial intelligence, we’ll dive deeper into the concept of journeys, or more specifically, life-journeys when we’re talking in the HX context. In these journeys, there’s what we call upstream, mid-stream and downstream. In my observation, AI isn’t infused congruently between these episodes within a life journey, as well. But we will discuss that next in the HX = CX + EX series.
Final Thoughts on AI in CX and EX
While it’s essential to leverage AI in customer experience, it’s equally crucial to invest in employee experience. A balanced infusion of AI into both upstream (EX) and downstream (CX) aspects of the HX equation is necessary for organizations to thrive. By prioritizing both sides of the equation, companies can create a holistic, sustainable and truly exceptional human experience.
Learn how you can join our contributor community.
