Workhuman Innovation & Technology Culture

What is the unique story that you feel your company has with AI?

At Workhuman, we believe the future of AI is Human Intelligence™, which combines rich human data and modern AI to create more meaningful, people-first outcomes. Our journey with AI began over a decade ago as the world’s largest database of social recognition moments beginning with the use of applied techniques like machine learning and natural language processing. These techniques power features like Work Circles, which help personalize recognition feeds and Inclusion Advisor, which coaches users on removing unconscious bias from recognition messages. 

With the launch of Human Intelligence™ and innovations like Workhuman iQ and our AI Assistant more recently, we are entering a new generation of insights. AI is no longer just analyzing data. It is amplifying the connection, appreciation and growth that make work human.

What was a monumental moment for your team when it comes to your work with AI? 

The most exciting moment is happening right now. We are combining the power of large language models with decades of insights from our client’s social recognition programs and Workhuman’s knowledge base of thought leadership, best practices and platform expertise accumulated over our 25-year history. This gives leaders deeper visibility into their people and culture with clear and actionable next steps. 

Imagine seeing which behaviors are most recognized across your team, what skills are emerging and how to lead performance conversations grounded in honest feedback from peers and leaders across the organization. This is not based on gut feeling or recency bias but on repeated, validated signals. That is what we’re delivering with Human Intelligence™ and it is what drives our team forward every day.

What challenges did your team overcome in AI adoption? 

One of my team’s biggest challenges was not technical. It was the fragmentation of information. Customer and market feedback was scattered across slide decks, spreadsheets and personal notes. We consolidated everything into a single repository, applied consistent tagging and began using AI to identify common themes and patterns. What once took hours of manual effort now takes a fraction of the time and gives us a clearer picture of what matters most. We still have an opportunity for optimization of the tools we use and our processes, but as AI advances and our utilization matures, we’re better positioned to reduce manual effort and create greater strategic value. 

We’re also beginning to use AI to streamline internal documentation and enablement content. Tasks that used to take a full afternoon can now be completed in a matter of minutes. My team works across product, engineering, marketing and our go-to-market teams. We constantly learn from one another, share what’s working, what’s not and challenge each other to better leverage the technology we have at our disposal, especially AI, to reduce effort and increase impact wherever we can.

Workhuman’s approach to innovation is rooted in the belief that AI is only as strong as the people data behind it. Through Human Intelligence™, the company uses recognition data to help leaders better understand how employees contribute, collaborate and live company values, turning everyday moments of appreciation into insights that support fairer, more human decisions.

“AI is moving fast, but without a human-centered data foundation, we risk building on noise.”

Workhuman supports a tech culture where employees can strengthen their craft with tools that make their work faster, sharper and more effective. For creative and design teams, that means building skills that improve prototyping, accelerate demos and help bring more polished ideas to life.

“That support allowed me to sharpen my skills in prototyping, building faster demos and creating more refined design assets, all of which directly benefit my current role.”