6 Challenges HR Professionals Will Face With AI

Is AI going to replace HR?

AI is everywhere these days.

You see it on social media, in all sorts of software and apps, and it's becoming a big part of every workplace including the HR function. But despite its usefulness, many people are nervous about using AI (As an HR consultant, I was too)!

They worry they might lose their jobs because of it. Why is that?

Well, it's like this:

In my 25 years of consulting with many companies at all levels as an HR professional, I’ve seen whenever something new comes along, people tend to fear it. They're used to doing things a certain way, and they don't like change. Ever read "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Dr. Spencer Johnson? It's a great book about this.

But here's the thing:

Technology keeps evolving, and workplaces change with it. Remember when we used to get paper paychecks? Now we have direct deposit. Or when we had to go to a bank teller? Now we use ATMs. What about laptops, email, mobile phones, and online applications? It's the same with AI in HR – it's just the next step in this evolution.

Sure, there were job losses when these changes happened, but there were also new opportunities. People who learned new skills and adapted to the changes found new jobs or even created their own. In my opinion, AI will not necessarily replace your HR job, but a human using AI will!

Providing more frequent feedback to remote team workers

This picture was created using Chat-GPT’s DALL-E image tool under the direction of a person who re-trained themselves to use AI.

So, as an HR professional if you're worried about AI, don't be. Instead, see it as a chance to learn and grow. Embrace the new technology and be open to learning new skills. That way, you'll stay ahead of the game and make yourself indispensable in the workplace. It's all about staying ahead of the curve and being ready for whatever comes next. In fact, using generative HR AI tools will give you a 20% head-start in your work and can help you be 50% faster. Productivity AND Efficiency!

What are the downsides of AI in HR? 6 challenges HR professionals will face with AI.

Is AI going to be the next big thing in HR? Very likely one of the next big things but however some challenges to using AI that HR professionals need to be aware of. Here’s 6:

1. Ethical Concerns:

Gen AI raises significant ethical questions, especially around issues of bias, privacy and transparency. HR leaders must ensure that AI systems are fair, unbiased, and respectful of employee privacy. This includes careful consideration of the data used to train these systems and regular audits for potential biases. ALWAYS check data.

2. Data Quality and Availability:

The performance of gen AI models heavily depends on the quality and quantity of training data. Ensuring access to high-quality, diverse, and representative data sets can be challenging. HR must also navigate data privacy regulations and ethical considerations when collecting and using employee data for AI training.

3. Integrating AI with Existing HR Systems:

Implementing gen AI often requires the integration of existing HR systems and workflows. This can be technically challenging and may require significant changes to current processes. HR leaders will need to work closely with IT to make sure there is a smooth integration and minimize any disruption to daily operations.

4. Skills Gap and Training:

As gen AI becomes more prevalent, there’s a growing need for employees who can work effectively with these systems. HR professionals must identify AI skills gaps within their organization and develop training programs to upskill their employees. This includes not just technical AI skills but also critical thinking and ethical decision-making abilities.

5. Manage Employee Concerns:

Introducing AI can create anxiety among employees who may fear job displacement (and change – as described in the ‘Is AI Going To Replace Me’ intro). HR leaders need to manage these concerns through clear communication, emphasizing how AI will elevate rather than replace human roles, and provide support for employees transitioning to the new ways of working. (For more on improving Emotional Fitness in the workplace, see Executive Coach Cathy Coleman’s post on 4 Tips For Improving Mental Health in the Workplace.)

6. Ensure Human Oversight:

While gen AI can produce impressive results, it’s important to maintain human oversight and judgement. HR leaders must establish clear processes for reviewing and validating all AI-generated outputs, especially for critical decisions that affect employees. This will ensure that the human element of empathy and contextual understanding is not lost in an AI-driven process.

How is AI being used in R? What AI tools are used in HR?

I’m choosing to embrace this new technology and am using as many of the AI tools as I can (my favourites are Claude & ChatGPT) to help me learn new skills, stay relevant in my industry, and serve my clients better. Here’s just a few of the areas AI is being used in HR along with a few specific tools:

Applicant Tracking Systems:
Automating the screening of resumes and tools like Metaview for interview note-taking.
Chatbots:
Obviously internal communication tools like Slack but also using chatbots to answer candidates questions, scheduling interviews etc.
Predictive Analytics:
For both Retention and to identify future talent needs.
Performance Reviews:
Tools like Effy can automate 360 degree reviews.
Benefits Management:
Tools like Jellybean allow you to manage benefits within Slack.

To conclude, while AI presents exciting opportunities for HR, it's essential to implement it with caution and responsibility. Striking the right balance between technological advancement and human judgment is vital to leveraging AI's potential while maintaining compliance and ethical standards in HR practices.

So, are you ready to join the wave?

Athina Iliadis is an HR consultant with 25 years experience and training in the use of AI in Human Resources. She consults with companies on areas such as performance management, compliance and executive coaching. She is part of the team of HR experts on demand at AugmentHR, an HR outsourcing firm in Toronto and servicing Canada.

H2: More Tips To Augment Your HR Knowledge