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Our workplaces are about to undergo an unprecedented level of transformation and HR will take center stage. AI will fundamentally reshape HR in a way that goes beyond recruiting, hiring and talent management. Leadership teams at all levels must embrace this change to transform and move their organizations forward.
It is people, not technology, that make AI initiatives successful. Entrepreneurs, in particular, are the driving force. As I shared Innovation without fearI noticed this while working on the innovation agenda for the Great Places to Work study: the most innovative companies were those that had a leadership team that embraced entrepreneurship and was open to change.
HR is the beating heart of any organization and, as such, must be the center of attention in both adopting and leading an ethical and innovative AI transformation within the organization.
Related: How AI is reinventing HR
4 Tectonic Shifts AI Will Drive in HR
1. A new wave of massive redevelopment
As AI becomes more important in business functions, the need for new skills will only increase. 40% of business leaders believe their workforce will need to reskill with AI and machine learning. In fact, research shows that nearly a third of all hours worked in the United States could be automated by 2030.
We all need to retrain ourselves to some extent to be relevant in the age of artificial intelligence. Not only would people need to retrain, but generative AI is introducing a whole host of professions that until recently were non-existent, from AI ethicists to human-AI interaction designers. Some of these roles might seem futuristic, but they are becoming more and more relevant as technology advances.
2. The great renovation
As automation becomes central to more and more business functions, there will be an inevitable need for organizations to restructure and rethink how they work. This transition will not only involve the integration of new technologies but will also introduce a change in workforce dynamics. Entrepreneurs will need to identify gaps in both skills and operational processes and create entirely new roles for themselves and those they manage. Human resources must play a key role in enabling a smooth and seamless transition in this regard. The transition will not be smooth or easy and only human resources have the ability to make it impactful.
3. Arrival of “digital humans”
“Digital Man” may seem like an oxymoron, but it’s the term that’s starting to appear in business and operational plans. More and more roles, regardless of industry, are becoming digitally empowered where some form of AI-based assistance is incorporated into their daily work. A concrete example is the introduction of the digital nurse: AI-based healthcare agents that have already proven to outperform human nurses in certain tasks.
Imagine the impact these digital roles will have on the workforce as they become more sophisticated and widespread. Ultimately, HR will need to create policies and systems that account for this new type of “staffing.”
4. Adjustment of the robot
The threat of AI bias and abuse is serious. Not only can the technology put many jobs in jeopardy, but potential improper implementation can expose organizations to serious liabilities and negatively affect the workforce. From avoiding bias to inclusiveness, HR teams play a critical role in implementing and ethically managing AI technologies.
HR professionals will be tasked with navigating the delicate balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and ensuring its application respects fairness, privacy and non-discrimination.
Related: How to Successfully Implement AI in Your Business: Overcome Challenges and Build a Future-Ready Team
What HR entrepreneurs need to do to embrace AI the right way
The future of work is being shaped by the adoption of AI, and its success depends on the right approach from the start. My experience shows that one universal characteristic stands out for successful organizations: the presence of change agents. Every organization, regardless of size, benefits from entrepreneurs who are open to change and committed to leading transformation efforts. These entrepreneurs are critical in driving the future of work, as they help orchestrate the integration of new technologies into their business models.
HR and talent leaders should leverage this dynamic, encouraging a symbiotic relationship with entrepreneurs to develop customized solutions for AI adoption, ensuring they are not just keeping pace with technological advances but are actively shaping their trajectory.
Guarantee a place at the table:
HR should take a proactive stance in adopting AI, even if it is still in the early stages within your organization. By securing a position at the forefront of the AI initiative, HR can and should facilitate and guide the entire organization in embracing this significant change.
Because AI has the potential to impact every aspect of the organization, it is critical that HR not only understand and support this technology, but also drive its integration across all departments. HR should encourage and support business owners and all employees to leverage AI in their daily activities, demonstrating its value not only for operational efficiency but also for personal and professional growth.
Master the technology:
To effectively navigate and regulate AI, HR must first fully understand it. Capturing the full potential of this technology is essential to reap the greatest benefits. HR plays a critical role in identifying the necessary tools and skills that employees need to acquire and then integrating these learnings into daily work practices.
Before implementing AI more broadly, HR should initiate comprehensive training programs that not only educate but also reassure employees about AI’s role in the company’s future. By leading these training initiatives, HR can shape the structure and effectiveness of these programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the organization and its workforce.
Related: 3 Ways to Prepare Your Business for an AI-Powered Future
Looking forward
Generative AI has the transformative potential to redefine the business landscape, but realizing this vast potential isn’t just about technology adoption. It depends critically on talent within the workforce, driven by HR and bold entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders don’t just implement new tools; exemplify its use, demonstrating the profound impact of AI at all levels of the organization.
HR plays a critical role in fostering this environment, enabling entrepreneurs to lead and inspire every individual they come into contact with. Together, they transform every employee into a catalyst for change, igniting a widespread passion for innovation that resonates deeply and supports long-term success.