Employer offers $1-million prize to encourage AI use

Program encourages employees 'to become more comfortable with AI and be rewarded in the process'

Employer offers $1-million prize to encourage AI use

An employer is providing a $1-million prize to encourage workers to use artificial intelligence (AI) at work.

To integrate the tech into everyday business practices, Klick Health co-founder and chairman Leerom Segal announced a $1,000,000 prize last December for employee-generated AI ideas. This initiative incentivizes staff to explore innovative AI applications that can enhance client outcomes and patient care.

“The unique program encourages Klicksters to become more comfortable with AI and be rewarded in the process. It also highlights the company’s commitment to diversity of thought and the belief that great ideas can come from anywhere (in this case, beyond those on Klick’s data science team),” said Erin O'Sullivan, Associate Manager, Communications, Klick Health.

Based in Toronto, the company is a marketing agency and commercialization partner for life sciences.

So far, employees have shared $400,000 across the first two rounds of the competition, with the final round set to distribute the remaining prize money this December.

While AI promises a boost in productivity for employers, it has yet to fully deliver, according to one expert.

Innovative format for meetings

Klick Health is also bridging the gap between remote and in-office workers with new innovations.

The employer revamped its quarterly all-hands meeting into a live TV-style event called Klick MOSHO, “an unorthodox, no-slides meeting format”. The innovative format was inspired by popular talk shows like Oprah and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and aims to replicate the energy of live studio audiences.

Held in the company’s large ground-floor café – a former Bank of Montreal branch – Klick MOSHO features a professional four-camera setup, live audio mixing, and an energetic host. The meeting format replaces traditional slide presentations in favor of engaging segments, guest appearances and opportunities to spotlight employee achievements.

By transforming internal meetings into dynamic, inclusive experiences, Klick fosters a sense of connection across its workforce, whether employees are tuning in remotely or attending in person, said the company.

There is tension between workplace culture and return to office mandates, according to a previous report.

Tech lounge at Klick

The company has also introduced a 620-square-foot Office Tech Lounge modeled after Apple’s Genius Bar to address post-pandemic IT needs. Designed with minimalist aesthetics and a focus on customer-friendly service, the lounge features white high-top tables and a relaxed sitting area, offering employees an inviting alternative to traditional IT helpdesks.

Dubbed the "Fixanators," the diverse Office Tech team is tasked with ensuring seamless tech support for employees. Statistics highlight its success:

  • Average visit duration: 15 minutes
  • Longest visit: 45 minutes
  • Interaction split: 55% in person, 45% via Zoom

This hybrid support model makes tech troubleshooting accessible, efficient, and enjoyable, aligning with Klick’s goal of delivering an exceptional employee experience, according to the company.