2026 InnoHive #5 - Smarter Ideas at Scale Using AI to Transform Employee Engagement

AI is changing not just how we work, but how we innovate. In this session, Courtney Redding shared how they have implemented AI chatbots at Ricoh UK Products Ltd to enhance both employee suggestions and recognition scheme nominations. By guiding employees in real time on what makes a strong idea or nomination, the chatbot makes it easier for individuals to raise and submit with confidence. It helps structure their thinking, ensures the right level of detail is included, and reduces the number of submissions that require follow-up due to missing or unclear information. Coutney talked through the practical approach that has been adopted, how the tools were developed, and how they support a shift from high volumes of ideas to more actionable, high-quality contributions. In addition, this session explored the potential impacts of using AI in this space, alongside the benefits achieved and some of the challenges and considerations to think through when introducing AI into innovation processes.