How Machine Talk Can Change the Way We Work

“Alexa, what time is it?” Alexa, what’s the weather like today?” “Alexa, call Maria.” “Alexia, play I Can Explain by Rachelle Ferrell,” are just a few of the many commands I often say when entering my home-office. …and it’s not just Alexa. I talk to my TV, smartphone, and car as well. Not only does it feel more natural to speak, but it’s faster. The average person speaks 150 words per minute compared to typing only 40 words. Yet, talking to machines, instead of just people, poses a widely disruptive notion with widespread implications.

Today, many companies are working on ways to talk to your refrigerator, alarm system, coffee machine and other ‘smart devices.’ And this type of technology may well be the game-changer some say. Not only do these machines, psychologically equalize our perception of machines as people, but they can shape the workplace. Many worry that these changes will affect the workplace negatively, citing the possible invasion of privacy, but like all technologies, voice recognition has positive benefits too. Move over, businesses. Alexa is coming to work. Here are a few of the many ways voice-activated virtual assistants can change your work environment.

Conference Calls

“Alexa, start my meeting.” Imagine instead of entering a conference room and setting up a virtual call or video conference, you can issue this command and Alexa will do it for you. You don’t need to look for remotes, or conference call information. Alexa can start and even end your meeting. Book the conference room. Take notes during the meeting. Set calendar dates and reminders before the meeting. Even, assist with email clutter clouding the meeting. This allows employees to spend their time effectively, and ultimately accomplish more.

Marketing Through Voice

Imagine your ‘company’s voice’ answering a potential employee’s question. Since voice recognition connects with the human psyche on a deeper level, marketing experts see developing your ‘brand’s voice’ as an opportunity to connect with target audiences on a deeper level. Given that seventy percent of Google Assistant inquiries are posed in natural language, it is reasonable to assume that most people simply want to ask a question naturally. With voice marketing, your company could not only answer a potential customer’s question in a ‘company voice’ with branded wording and tone but also respond to a potential hire’s question with a better understanding of how best to answer it. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as deep learning and natural language processing, can help by offering valuable insights into user habits and preferences, giving businesses the necessary edge needed to brand their ‘voice’s vision and values.’ Thus, valuable time spent perfecting your brand’s voice not only allows you to grow market share and increase visibility, but potentially, recruit, hire and retain top talent.

Improved Accessibility

Employees with disabilities or those simply uncomfortable or unable to use certain types of technologies now could. Imagine an employee with fibromyalgia now using voice assistance to accomplish daily tasks such as sending or listening to text messages, setting task reminders, or making voice calls.

As voice-assisted technology continues to advance, companies who prepare for this change will foster employees agility, win greater market shares, and recruit/retain top talent.