Buck releases AI-powered HR technology platform

Human resources and benefits consultancy Buck has launched a next-generation platform that allows employers to seamlessly manage their HR function while delivering higher employee engagement.

Having recently returned to the consulting scene as Buck, the HR consultancy with roots dating back to 1916 and referred to as some variation of ‘Buck Consultants’ for most of its history, has emerged with a new brand and logo (the conjoined, jagged rectangle). The refreshed firm, which was purchased by H.I.G. Capital earlier this year, has also announced the release of a new, cutting-edge HR management tech platform.

The BuckConnect platform collects the full breadth of a firm’s health, wealth, and benefits programs, creating an intuitive and engaging mobile/web interface for employees and employers. Powered by machine-learning, employees can use BuckConnect to receive individualized plan support, while also accessing and managing their benefits and HR programs. Meanwhile, employers can access custom dashboards, modeling, and data to evaluate how well their plans are working.

"The HR industry is in the midst of an unprecedented shift in the employee experience," commented Scot Marcotte, Chief Technology Officer of Buck. "Technology exists to recast HR service delivery from a human-centered perspective, using natural language, artificial intelligence, and robotic process automation. These complex, high-tech capabilities allow us to create an increasingly high-touch, tailored, and simplified environment for the individuals HR serves."The platform delivers an experience that better engages employees in the management and use of their benefits packages – making the process less complex and more centralized. According to Buck, the highly customized user experience powers behavioural change, driving greater employee satisfaction, increased productivity, and healthier workforces.

The centralized, intuitive, and personalized benefits management experience is one that clients are increasingly demanding. "With our diverse and national workforce, enabling employees to easily access all of their benefits and compensation information, and engage them in their programs, had been a challenge for us," said Terri Moore, Sr. a Benefits Specialist at Buck client Daimler Trucks North America.

"Buck consolidated five different vendor partners into a single experience for our employees,” she continued. “With 67% of our population using the site regularly – a significant number of whom access it through their smartphones – we've seen marked improvement in our employee engagement while streamlining some of our processes."

In other Buck news, the company recently promoted Steve Coco to Chief Solutions Officer. The nine-year veteran of Buck was formerly the head of the consulting business at the firm. In the new role, Coco will oversee the development of new offerings for clients, the creation of client innovation and tech roadmaps, and the establishment of new strategic partnerships.