The Role of AI in HR

It feels like everywhere we turn, a mention of artificial intelligence occurs. AI is in every industry, impacting the way people do their jobs and live their lives. Even appliances and vehicles feature artificial intelligence features that can make it easier to get information and stay connected. Human resources pros are also learning more about the role of AI in HR. In this industry, it’s less about replacing people and more about handling tasks faster to focus on the humans.

This post will outline the big changes that AI is bringing to HR, how to use the techno logy to save time, and risky mistakes to avoid.

How AI is Changing the Game for HR

In human resources, AI refers to systems or software that can learn and perform tasks that previous required human thinking. For example, an HR pro might have spent hours each week reviewing timekeeping data to look for patterns that point to absenteeism or concerns with performance. Turning this task over to an AI-driven platform can free up a lot of time, eliminating the need for a human to spend their precious hours reviewing data.

AI can really streamline tasks that fit into the category of “paper pushing.” Manual efforts include reviewing timesheets before sending the information for payroll processing, scheduling shifts for a team of workers, or screening hundreds of candidates who apply for an open role.

Research performed by SHRM shows that nearly half of HR professionals are prioritizing the use of AI in their roles. The capabilities of AI go beyond task automation; they can enable a department to operate more strategically. Streamlining workflows, enhancing processes, and minimizing errors can create a competitive advantage for an HR department, driving improvement and supporting their efforts to boost organizational success. Using AI can also put the human touch back into aspects of this role that matter, such as interacting with employees or creating plans that benefit the workforce.

Smart Ways to Use AI in HR

Here are a few simple ways to start incorporating AI into your everyday tasks.

Speeding up recruitment

Hiring tends to be one of the more time-consuming aspects of an HR pro’s job description. Automating recruiting efforts can make the process go faster, as well as speed up the hiring timeline to avoid losing out on top talent.

Answering employee questions

If you’re like most HR reps or leaders, you spend a good chunk of your day answering employee inquiries. And some of those questions might be the same, such as “how often do I get paid?” or “how do I sign up for benefits?” With AI, you can create a place where employees can get answers instantly instead of spending your time answering them over and over again.

An AI-powered chatbot can be programmed with information that benefits your workforce. It can then answer those common questions, providing quick and helpful resources and links to direct employees to where they need to go to take their next step. Some companies have made these interactions available 24/7.

Improving employee training

Training may also be an important aspect of an HR department. But knowing where to start or how to encourage employees to take advantage of opportunities to learn and progress are challenging.

Use AI to suggest training courses for employees based on factors like their professional goals and existing skills. Think about how Netflix suggests shows you may like based on your viewing history. That concept can be applied to employee training, tailoring next steps to individual factors.

How Not to Use AI (The Danger Zones)

Now that you know more about the role of AI in HR and how it can help, be sure to check out some of the ways not to use it.

Don’t trust it blindly

Artificial intelligence is constantly learning to improve what it can offer. Unfortunately, that means it’s constantly using past data, which may not reflect current values or desired outcomes. Avoid trusting any platform blindly to ensure fairness and reduce bias, even if it’s unintentional.

Never remove the human touch altogether

As you consider how to use AI to streamline tasks and improve efficiency in your department, you may be tempted to take advantage of its capabilities for sensitive conversations. But doing so can remove the human touch, which often leads to issues.

AI should never be used to deliver bad news, handle serious conflicts in the workplace, or make decisions around firing or laying off an employee. Humans have empathy and robots don’t.

Be careful of privacy concerns

Machine learning is a risk when it comes to privacy, as the system relies on information to handle future interactions. Never share any private information, such as health details, names, financial data, or Social Security numbers, with public AI tools.

Keeping the “Human” in Human Resources

AI is a powerful tool that can transform a department and improve the way HR experts handle their jobs. However, it should not (and cannot) replace the people in the roles. If you’re working in HR, it’s worth considering how you could start using AI to automate tasks or review data.

WorkforceHub is a game-changer when it comes to automating time and labor in the workplace. This system is designed for modern employers, boasting robust scheduling and timekeeping tools, along with hiring and HR solutions built right in. Explore how this platform can help you manage your teams and streamline HR with a free trial.