‍Introduction

L&D teams are always looking for ways to streamline training and boost employee learning. With the rise of AI, new tools promise to revolutionize the playing field. What are the top tools L&D teams are using, and how are they implementing them in their programs?

Our recent Hospitality Training 360 Report revealed that a staggering 62% of hospitality L&D professionals find AI beneficial, with proficient users seeing up to a 4x increase in efficiency. Notably, 40% already leverage generative AI for content development, and another 20% plan to join them soon. 

This deep dive will explore the best AI tools tailored for restaurant L&D, moving beyond generic solutions like ChatGPT to focus on specialized platforms that deliver tangible ROI, like Articulate 360, Canva, Synthesia, and Opus. Let’s uncover how these tools are transforming learning and development in the restaurant and hospitality sectors.

Key Takeaways

  • AI is making a significant impact: 62% of hospitality L&D professionals report that AI improves their work efficiency and quality.
  • Proficient users see greater benefits: Those who use AI regularly experience up to 4x greater benefits in areas like speed and quality of work.
  • Content development is the primary use case: 40% are currently using AI for content development, with another 20% planning to in the near future.
  • AI adoption is still in early stages: Only 8% consider themselves advanced AI users, while many are still exploring or haven't started using AI.
  • Concerns remain: Accuracy, data governance, lack of human touch, and time constraints are hindering wider adoption.
  • Strategic potential is recognized: L&D professionals see future potential for AI in training delivery, strategy/planning, and learning analytics.
  • AI is changing the L&D landscape: AI is freeing up time for strategic planning, enabling frontline employee promotion into L&D, and allowing for more focus on human-centric training.

The Ascending Role of AI in Learning and Development

Integrating artificial intelligence into business operations is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a present-day reality transforming how organizations approach all aspects of their business. For hospitality businesses, the surge in AI adoption is driven by its potential to personalize learning, automate tedious tasks, and deliver data-driven insights, ultimately streamlining L&D programs for greater efficiency and delivered results. From predictive analytics that identify skill gaps to adaptive learning platforms that tailor content to individual needs, AI is profoundly reshaping the landscape of L&D in hospitality.

One of the most significant impacts of AI is in content development. Traditionally, creating engaging and effective training materials was time-consuming and resource-intensive. AI-powered tools are changing this by enabling rapid content generation, automated translation, and interactive learning experiences. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify relevant content, generate quizzes, and even create realistic simulations.

The rise of AI in L&D also addresses the growing need for personalized learning. Employees today expect training that is relevant to their roles and learning styles. AI facilitates this by creating individualized learning paths, providing real-time feedback, and adapting content based on learner performance. This personalized approach enhances engagement and improves knowledge retention and skill development.  

It’s not just in content creation and engagement improvement where AI shines, these tools play a crucial role in data analysis and reporting. L&D professionals can now leverage AI to track learner progress, identify trends, and measure the effectiveness of training programs. This data-driven approach allows for continuous improvement and ensures that training initiatives are aligned with organizational goals.  

Bridging the AI Divide: Addressing L&D Concerns and Fostering Adoption

Although AI offers substantial benefits, the hospitality L&D industry has significant room for growth in AI adoption. In our report, the majority, 48%, are in the exploratory phase, and 17% have yet to begin using AI. This highlights a clear opportunity to advance AI literacy, as only 8% currently possess advanced skills.

Additionally, some L&D professionals were hesitant to embrace AI. Concerns about AI’s accuracy, data governance, the lack of human touch, and simply lacking time to explore it were reasons cited among those surveyed, highlighting a divide among the community. 

“AI does not really know what we need,” said one restaurant industry manager. “It will always be based on what humans create, which in turn can lead to inaccuracy.”

Hesitations around AI are understandable, but inaction carries its risks. While data governance and accuracy are important considerations, the potential rewards of AI in L&D are substantial. Forward-thinking leaders who address these concerns proactively will be best positioned to reap the benefits.

The Best AI Tools for Restaurant  L&D Teams

Let’s take a look at some of the AI tools, both general and specialized, that L&D leaders should implement in their learning programs. 

General AI Tools for Hospitality L&D: Foundational Efficiency

While specialized tools are key, general AI platforms provide a strong foundation for L&D tasks. Among the more than 100 L&D professionals surveyed in the Hospitality Training 360 Report, several foundational AI tools were mentioned when asked, “In the areas where you use AI tools: Which specific AI tools do you use, and what makes you choose them over other AI alternatives?” 

Below, we’ve compiled the general AI tools mentioned verbatim, which were then analyzed and curated by AI. 

  • ChatGPT/OpenAI
  • Microsoft Copilot
  • Google Gemini
  • Claude
  • Perplexity
  • Copy.ai
  • You.com
  • Zapier

ChatGPT/OpenAI

This versatile tool is a favorite for content creation and revision, acting as a virtual assistant for L&D professionals. "It learns my style of writing," says one surveyed user, highlighting its adaptability. ChatGPT can help overcome writer's block, rephrase content for different learning styles, and ensure materials are clear and concise. It's also invaluable for brainstorming new training topics, generating diverse exam and knowledge check questions, and even creating different versions of training materials to cater to different roles or skill levels. Whether you're using the free version for basic needs or the paid 4.0 version for consolidating complex thoughts, ChatGPT can significantly boost productivity and free up time for more strategic L&D initiatives.   

Microsoft Copilot

Integrated directly into the Microsoft suite, Copilot offers convenient workplace assistance, making it a seamless addition to existing workflows. "Convenient," "built into the Microsoft suite," and "permitted by AI policy for IP protection" are key advantages, according to surveyed users, ensuring seamless integration and compliance. For L&D teams already reliant on Microsoft tools, Copilot can assist in creating presentations, drafting training documents, managing schedules, and even automating repetitive tasks within those applications. This streamlines processes and allows L&D professionals to focus on higher-value activities.   

Additional Foundational AI Tools

Google Gemini: Offers more natural language results after descriptive prompts, making it ideal for generating realistic scenarios or dialogue for training materials. This can help create more engaging and immersive learning experiences.

Claude: Excels in content creation and analysis, particularly for tasks that require summarizing lengthy reports or extracting key insights from data. This can be invaluable for L&D teams who need to quickly digest and apply research findings to their training programs.   

Perplexity: A cost-effective option for research and analysis, helping L&D professionals quickly gather information and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

Copy.ai: Provides valuable writing assistance, particularly for creating marketing materials or communications related to L&D programs.   

You.com: A powerful search and content generation tool that can help L&D professionals find relevant resources and inspiration for their training materials.

Zapier: Simplifies workflow automation, connecting different tools and platforms to streamline tasks like registration, feedback collection, and reporting. This frees up time and reduces manual effort for L&D teams.

AI-Powered Tools for L&D: Streamlined Course Creation

Content development is where AI truly shines, offering tools that save time and enhance quality. From process documentation and course authoring to visual and multimedia creation, the following AI tools were mentioned by those surveyed as being used to streamline L&D course and content creation. 

  • Tango
  • Articulate
  • Canva
  • Adobe
  • 11 Labs
  • Synthesia
  • Colossyan
  • HeyGen
  • EasyGenerator
  • Generated Video Actors
  • NaturalReader

Top AI Tools for Process Documentation & Course Authoring

Tango

Tango is a game-changer for the “quick documentation of step-by-step processes,” according to one surveyor, making it ideal for creating concise and easy-to-follow training guides. By simplifying the process of capturing and sharing workflows, Tango allows L&D teams to quickly create interactive guides for onboarding, task training, and standard operating procedures. This reduces the time and effort required to document critical processes, enabling faster rollout of training materials.

Articulate 360

This platform integrates AI tools directly into its course-authoring capabilities, making it a comprehensive and efficient solution for L&D professionals. The AI features can help generate assessments, provide feedback on course design, and even suggest relevant content to enhance learning. This streamlines course development and ensures high-quality training materials, all within a single platform. "AI tools integrated within the platform" and "price-efficient" are frequently mentioned benefits according to those surveyed. 

EasyGenerator

This eLearning authoring tool simplifies course creation, making it accessible to L&D professionals with varying levels of technical expertise. With its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality, EasyGenerator allows teams to quickly build interactive courses without the need for coding or design skills. This democratizes content creation and empowers more team members to contribute to L&D initiatives.

Top AI Tools for Visual & Multimedia Creation

Canva

Canva simplifies visual content creation and offers AI-powered features like text-to-image generation and design suggestions. This allows L&D teams to easily create visually appealing training materials, even without graphic design expertise. Additionally, Canva's PDF language conversion tool "helps maintain proper formatting during translations," which is crucial for global teams.

Adobe

Adobe's suite of creative tools now includes AI-powered features that enhance content development. For example, Adobe Photoshop's "Generative Fill" can intelligently add or remove elements from images, while Adobe Premiere Pro's AI tools can automate tasks like audio mixing and color correction. This allows L&D teams to create professional-quality multimedia content with greater efficiency.

11 Labs & NaturalReader

These tools make voice generation and text-to-speech easy and accessible. This is particularly helpful for creating audio versions of training materials, making them accessible to those with visual impairments or for learners who prefer auditory learning. "easy to use and learn" is a common sentiment among those surveyed.

Synthesia, Colossyan, HeyGen

These platforms offer video avatars and AI-powered video generation tools, providing alternatives to traditional filming and streamlining content creation. They can be used to create engaging video content featuring virtual instructors, product demos, or training scenarios. This opens up new possibilities for delivering dynamic and interactive learning experiences. According to those surveyed, they "streamline content development time and auto-translation."

Restaurant-Specific AI Tools for L&D: Tailored Solutions

While general AI tools offer a broad range of capabilities, the hospitality industry has unique needs that often require more specialized solutions, from streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences to optimizing training programs and maximizing employee engagement. 

For hospitality-specific needs, the following AI-powered tools mentioned by those surveyed are specifically designed to address the challenges and opportunities within restaurant and hospitality L&D. 

  • Opus Training
  • Restaurant 365
  • Tattle
  • Zenput
  • PolyAI

Opus Training: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content Creation

At the forefront of this AI-driven revolution is Opus, a platform that seamlessly integrates AI into its content creation tools. Opus understands the challenges faced by hospitality L&D teams, particularly the need for efficient and effective training materials. Opus is a comprehensive LMS and content creation platform that leverages AI to expand content ideas, automate recommendations, and provide robust analytics. Its user-friendly interface and quiz-generation capabilities make it a valuable asset for L&D teams. "AI features help expand content ideas" and "User-friendly interface and robust analytics" are frequently cited benefits among surveyed L&D professionals, according to the report. 

Here’s how Opus leverages AI to empower its users:  

  • AI-Powered Content Generation: Opus uses AI algorithms to assist in the rapid creation of engaging content. This includes generating quiz questions, summarizing key points, and even suggesting relevant topics based on learner needs.  
  • Automated Translation: In the global hospitality industry, multilingual training is essential. Opus employs AI-driven translation tools to ensure that training materials are accurately and efficiently translated into multiple languages, maintaining consistency and cultural relevance.  
  • Enhanced Multi-Language Search and Organization: By utilizing AI to improve search capabilities across multiple languages, Opus allows L&D professionals to quickly find and organize training materials, including content in documents uploaded as resources, saving valuable time and effort.

Additional Restaurant-Specific AI Tools: Restaurant365, Tattle, Zenput, PolyAI

Beyond Opus, there is a suite of restaurant-specific tools that leverage AI to enhance L&D programs. 

Restaurant365: This platform excels in operations management, utilizing AI to automate tasks, analyze data, and provide insights to improve efficiency and profitability. 

Tattle: Tattle provides AI-driven guest feedback analysis, helping restaurants understand customer sentiment and identify areas for improvement. Its AI-powered tools can automatically categorize and analyze feedback, providing valuable insights to enhance the guest experience.

Zenput: Zenput streamlines operations by digitizing checklists, audits, and other tasks, allowing for real-time visibility and improved accountability. Its AI features can help identify trends and areas for optimization, ensuring consistent execution across locations.

PolyAI: PolyAI enhances customer interaction with AI-powered voice assistants that can handle tasks like taking orders, answering questions, and providing support. This frees up staff and allows for more personalized customer service.

Pro Tip: Overwhelmed by the sheer number of AI tools?  Focus on your biggest L&D pain points. Identify the three tasks that consume the most time, then explore specialized AI solutions that directly address those challenges for maximum impact.

Embrace AI and Transform Your Hospitality Training

The integration of AI into hospitality L&D is not just a trend but a transformative force reshaping how training is delivered and experienced. While hesitations around accuracy and implementation remain, the data is clear: AI significantly enhances efficiency, particularly in content development, and unlocks substantial potential for those who embrace it. From foundational tools like ChatGPT to specialized platforms like Opus, the array of AI solutions tailored for hospitality is vast and growing. 

The key for L&D teams lies in strategically identifying their most pressing challenges and selecting tools that directly address those needs. As AI literacy improves and concerns are mitigated, the hospitality industry can expect to see a surge in innovative, personalized, and data-driven learning experiences. 

By embracing AI, L&D professionals can not only streamline their operations but also elevate the quality of training, ultimately fostering a more skilled, engaged, and successful workforce in a dynamic industry. The future of L&D in this sector is undeniably intertwined with the intelligent application of artificial intelligence, paving the way for a more efficient, effective, and human-centered approach to learning and development.

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