Unilever has announced the introduction of a new internal online AI-powered talent marketplace, FLEX Experiences, which helps employees to identify personalized open opportunities across the business, in real time.

By accessing the platform, Unilever employees can work on projects for a small or large proportion of time, increase the depth of their expertise of current skill or build new skills and experiences. Through the power of AI, people are suggested opportunities that match their profile and aspirations, and at the same time, giving full visibility to all opportunities available globally across all areas of the business.

Through the platform, the company aims to democratize and give transparency to the way the company develops talent.

Jeroen Wels, Executive VP HR, Unilever, said: “With FLEX Experiences, Unilever is redefining the future of work, creating a flexible, networked, diverse and inclusive organization which attracts the best talent and inspires the passion and commitment of its people. FLEX Experiences helps people to identify opportunities across the business, in which they can develop new skills and gain experiences in a flexible way. We believe that our people are much more than their job title. If our people thrive, we thrive as a business.”

The technology is powered by Israeli-based startup, InnerMobility by Gloat, which has worked closely with Unilever to create the bespoke platform. Over the past year, the platform has been tested with more than 20,000 employees within Unilever, across 90+ countries, unlocking 60,000+ hours in the last two months alone, and driving increased employee engagement and satisfaction. The full roll-out is expected to be completed by 2020. 

Ben Reuveni, CEO of Gloat, added: “In today’s competitive workforce, internal mobility is mission critical. 94% of employees say they would stay longer in a company that invests in their career, positioning InnerMobility as the ultimate tool for organizational growth. We have been working closely with Unilever and the Unilever Foundry over the last 12 months to deliver a platform for their employees that will revolutionize how people build a career within the company, unlocking potential and development.”

With employee engagement being a rising concern for companies the world over, it will be interesting to see how Unliver will be able to keep employees more engaged by investing in their career through the FLEX platform.