Artificial Intelligence in HR

Artificial intelligence is already being used in various different ways while it is constantly evolving. AI-driven chatbots are already being used to for example gather candidate information to filter out applicants without recruiter involvement. Even more reason to stand out and call if someone wants to stand out from the sea of job applications companies get. Payroll processing is also being automated, perhaps for the benefit of employees. No more human error in payroll processing. If AI can be harnessed to do some HR tasks more effectively, it might free up some time for HR to truly focus on their employees wellbeing. Benefits of AI are of course much in increased efficiency and therefore more money saved for companies. AI can be used in multiple ways to also analyze the outcomes of different strategies used by HR. 

Figure 1. AI Image, URL: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/technology/ai-change-hr-jobs

Since AI is eliminating certain types of work done by humans it also poses some challenges. Certain HR job roles might need to be restructured. Privacy of a company's employees is also a very important topic that needs to be taken into consideration. Companies do have certain legal obligations that they need to take into account when handling the employees personal data. 

It is key to invest in transparent and ethical AI practices since nobody really likes to hear that important decisions on them are simply made my algorithms. There needs to be fair and understandable usage. AI tools cannot be blindly trusted and regular audits for any kind of bias need to be also examined. HR professionals need to trained in correct and ethical use of artificial intelligence. The best case scenario is where AI will end up complementing real human decision-making processes.

References:

Julienne Raboca. 09.03.2024. Artificial Intelligence in HR: Transforming Workplaces with Smart Technology. https://www.playroll.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-in-hr-transforming-workplaces-with-smart-technology

IBM. Accessed on 09.10.2023. Artificial intelligence and a new era of human resources. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-in-hr

Kylie Ora Lobel. 29.01.2024. How AI Is Changing HR Jobs and Tasks. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/technology/ai-change-hr-jobs