Bunnings Tests AI Innovations to Improve Operations for 55,000 Staff
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Brief Overview
- Bunnings is utilizing AI to gain insights into and develop its workforce of 55,000 staff members.
- Investment in Workday technology has increased significantly, providing new AI tools like the Skills Cloud.
- AI is intended to establish clearer career paths and enhance employee retention.
- Additional resources such as Talent Optimization and HiredScore aid in strategic recruitment.
- AI chatbots have been introduced for operational inquiries, transitioning Bunnings’ culture towards self-service.
AI-Driven Workforce Development at Bunnings
Bunnings is adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the management and understanding of its large workforce of 55,000 employees. This initiative aims to promote career growth and retain skilled individuals by providing clearer career paths within the organization.
Committing to Technological Progress
At a recent Workday Elevate summit, Jeff Rodway, Bunnings’ Head of Remuneration, People Systems, and Services, emphasized the company’s dedication to a “significant technology evolution” in its people and culture operations. This includes a major boost in investment in Workday, effectively doubling the array of AI tools available.
Central to this movement is the Workday Skills Cloud, driven by AI technology dubbed ‘Illuminate’. While still in its developmental phase, it has already produced promising outcomes in pilot initiatives.
Improving Employee Engagement
Bunnings is leveraging methods like Talent Optimization and HiredScore to ensure current employees are aligned with available positions and to cultivate talent pools for upcoming opportunities. This strategy is anticipated to greatly lessen the time and expenses linked to external recruitment.
Future objectives include incorporating advanced analytical tools such as People Analytics and Prism Analytics to provide deeper insights into the workforce, facilitating data-informed decision-making.
The Rollout of AI Chatbots
Beyond backend solutions, Bunnings is deploying AI chatbots to support employees with operational inquiries. This initiative represents a cultural shift towards self-service, empowering employees to seek information autonomously instead of depending on conventional interpersonal interactions.
Rodway acknowledges that while this transition is considerable, the ultimate aim is to boost operational efficiency and productivity via AI. The emphasis continues to be on fostering a more inclusive atmosphere and making informed management choices.
Conclusion
Bunnings is leading the way in incorporating AI technology into its operations, focusing on enhancing employee development and retention. Through strategic investments in platforms like Workday, Bunnings is improving its recruitment processes while cultivating a culture of innovation and self-service.