Ernst & Young (EY), one of the Big Four consulting firms, has announced a ₹800 crore bonus programme to recognize employees who demonstrate skills that are difficult for artificial intelligence to replicate. According to reports from Mint, the firm unveiled this rewards programme on August 31, specifically targeting qualities including judgement, adaptability, leadership and collaboration that will become increasingly important as AI takes on more tasks in the workplace.
The ₹800 crore programme will be divided into three categories, as reported by Mint. The categories include 'Everyday leadership' which recognizes actions that contribute to learning, experimentation, collaboration and leadership in the moment. The second category, 'Transformation that drives measurable results,' rewards individuals whose contributions drive meaningful change through innovation, disruption, technology or growth. The third category, 'Game-changing impact for the enterprise,' honors individuals or teams whose actions make a long-lasting, material impact on the firm.
According to The Wall Street Journal reports cited by Mint, employees could receive spot bonuses of up to ₹4 lakh. Larger awards of as much as ₹20 lakh will be available for individuals or teams responsible for more significant achievements. The initiative is not restricted to senior-level employees, with professionals across EY able to nominate or recognize colleagues for their contributions.
As reported by Mint, EY says the programme is part of its effort to create a 'tech-led, human-powered' workforce. According to Dante D'Egidio, EY Americas CEO and US Managing Partner, the initiative is intended to help employees prepare for a rapidly changing professional environment. The firm believes that while employees will become more comfortable with AI, they also need to strengthen capabilities such as judgement, leadership, adaptability and teamwork where human contribution remains important.
