Vikas Kakkar, CEO and Co-Founder of Amara.ai, discusses the transformative journey of the AI-powered chatbot, from streamlining recruitment processes to enhancing employee engagement strategies globally.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: How has Amara.ai evolved from its inception in 2016 to its current state as a global chatbot powered by AI, transitioning from recruitment automation to employee engagement strategies?
Mr. Vikas: Since its inception, Amara.ai has embarked on a transformative journey. Initially integrated into the recruitment software HireXP, Amara aided companies in assessing the readiness of candidates who accepted job offers, particularly those serving notice periods, predicting the likelihood of their actual onboarding. However, recognizing the broader imperative to enhance the entire employee lifecycle, Amara shifted its focus towards developing employee engagement strategies. This shift led to the creation of an AI-powered chatbot capable of interacting with employees at critical stages of their organizational journey. Through the utilization of AI technology, Amara now forecasts, engages, and nurtures employees, thereby contributing to the global growth and sustainability of businesses. This transition underscores Amara’s dedication to offering comprehensive solutions that address the evolving needs of organizations and prioritize the enhancement of the employee experience.
TimesTech: Could you elaborate on Amara’s interactions with employees throughout their lifecycle and how it assesses their psychological investment in the organization?
Mr. Vikas: Amara.ai facilitates meaningful interactions with employees across various stages of their lifecycle within an organization. Through intelligent conversations, Amara assesses employees’ psychological investment by evaluating their engagement levels and identifying potential signs of disengagement or attrition risk. By proactively engaging with employees, Amara creates a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and heard, thereby enhancing their overall experience and commitment to the organization. This approach enables HR teams to gain valuable insights into employee sentiment and tailor strategies to foster greater engagement and retention.
TimesTech: How does Amara.ai address the challenge of mass resignations in organizations, and what role does it play in retaining employees during the current landscape of the “Great Resignation”?
Mr. Vikas: Amara.ai addresses the challenge of mass resignations by providing real-time insights into employee engagement levels. By identifying individuals at risk of leaving, Amara enables HR teams to intervene proactively and implement targeted retention strategies. Amid the “Great Resignation,” Amara’s advanced analytics and proactive engagement capabilities are crucial in retaining talent and fostering a positive workplace culture. By leveraging data-driven insights, organizations can identify factors contributing to attrition and implement initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty, mitigating the impact of the current landscape on retention rates.
TimesTech: With a subscription-based model charging approximately INR 40 per employee per month, how does Amara ensure affordability and accessibility for businesses of varying sizes, and what sets it apart from competitors?
Mr. Vikas: Amara.ai ensures affordability and accessibility through its subscription-based model, charging approximately INR 40 per employee per month for the base plan. This pricing strategy caters to businesses of all sizes, making advanced AI-powered employee engagement solutions accessible and cost-effective. Additionally, Amara’s customizable features, advanced analytics, and commitment to continuous innovation set it apart from competitors. By offering a comprehensive yet affordable solution, Amara enables organizations to enhance employee engagement and retention, driving long-term success and growth.
TimesTech: Can you discuss how Amara.ai’s advanced analytics provide real-time employee engagement insights, enabling organizations to develop tailored engagement strategies?
Mr. Vikas: Amara.ai’s advanced analytics empower organizations to gain real-time insights into employee engagement levels and trends. By leveraging these insights, organizations can develop tailored engagement strategies that address the specific needs and preferences of their workforce. Whether it’s identifying areas for improvement, recognizing high-performing teams, or predicting attrition risks, Amara’s analytics capabilities enable data-driven decision-making. This enables organizations to optimize their employee engagement initiatives, foster a positive workplace culture, and ultimately drive productivity and retention.
TimesTech: As a visionary leader in HR technology, how do you see the future of AI-powered chatbots evolving, and what are Amara’s plans for further expansion and impact in the global market?
Mr. Vikas: The future of AI-powered chatbots is incredibly promising, with advancements paving the way for more personalized and impactful interactions. These chatbots will increasingly become indispensable tools for organizations, facilitating seamless communication, driving engagement, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. At Amara.ai, we envision leveraging these advancements to further enhance our chatbot’s capabilities and deliver even greater value to our global clientele.
As we continue on our growth trajectory, expanding our reach to customers in over 15 countries worldwide, Amara’s focus remains on innovation and strategic expansion. We are committed to forging partnerships, investing in research and development, and staying at the forefront of HR technology to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our goal is to be the trusted partner for organizations seeking to optimize their employee engagement strategies and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape. Through our unwavering dedication to excellence, we aim to make a meaningful impact on businesses worldwide and continue shaping the future of AI-powered HR technology.
