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Reality might hit hard, but the fact that there is a huge emotional disconnect among people of all ages today made a bunch of youngsters come up with an idea to bridge that gap.
“The death of a close friend of mine in an accident and the ‘RIP’ (Rest in Peace) messages that followed in social media, not just from the deceased’s friends and relatives, but also from those staying next door, made me realise the present-day emotional disconnect,” says Paul Benjamin, Managing Director, YourO Solutions.
This got Benjamin to design and develop a tool using artificial intelligence to bridge the gap and establish an emotional connect; thus was born YourO.
YourO Solutions Private Limited provides social engagement solutions to corporates.
“Our vision is to make life better and make a positive impact on the lives of people who engage with us. It is an activity-based platform,” he said.
Pointing out that emotional connect is becoming a thing of the past as people are so busy that they fail to understand what their loved ones yearn/like most, Benjamin said: “Take for instance, a birthday of a beloved one Most dismiss it by presenting a gift and taking the family out for dinner. If this can be tweaked to bring in a surprise element, it would probably light up the day. This is exactly what we do.”
YourO team works around the social, professional and personal life of the customer to understand one’s personal likes and dislikes and other traits.
“We analyse the captured traits, and with algorithms and artificial intelligence, send customised, personalised message and, at times, free gifts, too.”
In the pilot phase, Benjamin tested the beta-version of the product among 465 employees across three SMEs.
“Employers of such small undertakings do not indulge in fun at workplace. Our attempt helped improve productivity, albeit indirectly, and rejuvenate them. The engagement has to be at regular intervals,” Benjamin added.
The company plans to roll out the second version of the product in three months, and is targeting 24 SMEs for the employee-engagement programme.
Benjamin has invested about ₹4 lakh in the venture in the past 6-8 months, and has reaped a turnover of ₹20-25 lakh.
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