Are AI and Technology taking out human essence from HR? | Radhika Arora | CHRO | Isgec Heavy Engineering Ltd

The integration of AI and automation does not diminish the human essence; rather, it has the potential to enhance it. In contrast, excluding humans from these transformative technologies risks a loss of relevance and capability. AI and automation are among the most significant disruptors of the current and next-generation workplace. As these technologies continue to reshape the world of work, it is imperative that Human Resources (HR) not only acknowledge this transformation but also actively embrace and lead the integration of human talent with AI-driven solutions.

According to PwC’s “India Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2023,” 51% of Indian respondents believe that AI will increase their productivity at work, compared to 31% globally.

We all are aware that AI is the hot topic, promising to shake up everything, and have undoubtedly made significant strides, prompting concerns about its potential to dominate the business landscape. The AI tools pop up everywhere, tackling those repetitive tasks that can bog down even the most dedicated HR teams. Faster hiring, smoother admin, predictive analytics, capability building– cool stuff, right? It can free up time for HR to focus on bigger, more strategic things.

This kind of insight can be a game-changer for making smart and quick decisions about people. Plus, AI can help personalize learning and development, making sure everyone gets the support they need to grow. And let us not forget its potential to reduce bias in processes – a huge win! “As per the World Economic Forum (WEF) – On average, workers can expect that two-fifths (39%) of their existing skill sets will be transformed or become outdated over the 2025-2030 period. “But here’s the million-dollar question: with all this tech taking over, are we losing the human element in HR? Can an AI& automation truly understand the nuances of a workplace conflict, offer genuine support during a tough time, or inspire a team to reach for the stars? I am not so sure. HR often deals with messy, complex human situations that require emotional intellect, empathy, intuition & gut instincts, ethical decision making and those oh-so-important people skills that AI just doesn’t have.

At its heart, HR is about building relationships. It’s about trust, understanding, and fostering a positive human connection and that is not something you can automate.

So, is AI stealing the “human” from human resources? Undoubtedly a Big No Instead, I see it as a powerful sidekick, ready to handle the heavy lifting of routine tasks. This frees up HR professionals to do what they do best: connect with employees on a deeper level, nurture a thriving workplace culture, and be the empathetic heart of the organization.

As I look at it holistically, I believe AI can be an incredible enabler for HR. By taking those time-consuming, repetitive tasks off their plate, we free up HR professionals to focus on building a strong company culture and being there for people when they need it most.

To make sure we get this right, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Test the Waters: Start with small AI projects to see what works and adjust your approach along the way.
2. Data is the new oil. Make sure the data you feed into AI is high-quality, diverse, and free from bias. Regularly check it!
3. Upskill, Upskill, upskill: Equip your HR team with the knowledge they need to work alongside AI and interpret its insights.
4. Ethical Deployment: Develop clear ethical guidelines for how AI is used in HR, focusing on fairness and privacy.
5. Educate people Be transparent with employees about how AI is being used and how it benefits them.

In ‘summary’, AI isn’t here to steal the human essence of HR. It is here to support it. By letting AI handle the more mechanical tasks, we empower HR teams to focus on human connection, ensuring that empathy and understanding remain at the heart of how we manage and support our people.

We as HR Leaders must embrace AI – Human collaboration without sacrificing the core values of human touch and engagement level in the organization.

“As per Mckinsey Global Institute Report: “AI will transform work but not eliminate the human element—it will change how people work, not why they are needed.”