Workhuman Spotlight: AI and the Role of Humanity in HR
Artificial intelligence is at the top of everyone’s minds these days, particularly in the world of work.
How will it impact work?
How can we prepare ourselves?
How can we work with AI and not fear it?
Right now, it might feel like there are more questions than answers – but there are experts who can help guide us through the early stages of this next tech revolution.
To that end, AI and HR professionals Dr. Joy BuolamwiniOpens in a new tab, Founder, Algorithmic Justice LeagueOpens in a new tab, KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Resource Officer, Workhuman, and Andrew McAfeeOpens in a new tab, Principal Research Scientist, MITOpens in a new tab, will convene on June 20, 2024, for Workhuman’s next Spotlight event to explore the broad-sweeping implications of AI in the workplace.
In this next session, “Artificial Intelligence and the Role of Humanity in HR,” moderated by Rebekah TweedOpens in a new tab, Executive Director, All Tech Is HumanOpens in a new tab, these industry experts will weigh in on what AI is already doing in work and HR, what it can do, and how to work with it while mitigating risk. This event follows a prior Spotlight focused on reskilling the workforce and is part of Workhuman’s broader “Future-Proof the Workforce” Spotlight 2024 series.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect in this next Spotlight event:
How will AI impact work and HR?
“I don't think it's an exaggeration to say we are living in the early days of the next great technological revolution that will change the ways we work in ways as unanticipated as the onset of the internet or the industrial eras,” says Tweed in her opening remarks. So exactly how big of a shift can you anticipate?
We can’t yet know just how AI will force the world of work to evolve. Schmiedl wants us – all of us in HR – to get on the same page first. Without alignment, some companies will get left behind due to fear and hesitation. Now isn’t the time to “ostrich” and put your head in the sand.
Of course, one of the biggest hopes for AI is how it will save time and make HR processes more efficient. Admin work is where people’s minds drift to first – and that’s where new AI-powered innovations like Workhuman iQ and AI Assistant come in.
The AI Assistant take the social analytics solution of Workhuman iQ and enhances it with talent and strategy insights – delivered in mere seconds. It can analyze all your people data to help make informed decisions and develop more empirical strategies.
That said, nothing can replace earned human experience. “If we don't actually have that opportunity to apprentice and to gain those skills, that first wave of generative AI adoption might give you a short-term productivity bump, but then you also risk living in the age of the last expert.” says Buolamwini. Rather than rewriting the playbook, consider how you can marry existing effective strategies with new technologies to produce enhanced outcomes.
What are the risks of implementing AI?
Of course, the question that comes after “How can we use AI?” is “Is it dangerous?”
Just like any other piece of technology, AI isn’t without risks. It’s important to remember: Humans build algorithms, and humans are biased. You should maintain a critical eye on these new systems and not assume that they’re fault-free.
The panelists will face this conundrum head-on, with Buolamwini pointing out how equity is at stake and Schmiedl calling for meaningful transparency and continuous oversight.
Then again, how cautious should you really be? There is a difference between a "careful" and a "thoughtful" approach, Schmiedl says, pointing out that the latter is 'careful with humility' and encourages human-AI collaboration to navigate these new tools together.
You should also consider whether you are analyzing or problematizing the risks, says McAfee. It’s easy to get caught up in the unknown and freeze with concern instead of moving forward with caution. Instead, recognize how data and AI can help us step outside our biases and make more informed decisions.
Above all, don’t get distracted by every new piece of tech and every possible use of AI. Instead of letting the technology determine your actions, start by deciding what’s important to your organization and use that to figure out where to start.
Use cases
One of the best things AI has to offer is the sheer number of tools at leaders’ disposal. Or “an army of clerks to do the boring parts of their jobs for them,” as McAfee puts it. Everything from job descriptions to deck editing can go into the hands of generative AI.
All panelists are focused on AI’s application in recruitment, particularly in job descriptions and the interview process. Each pointed out how AI can help check human bias and prevent it becoming “one big vibe check.”
This is another area where Workhuman iQ and AI Assistant come in. Think of AI Assistant as your “sidekick,” coaching your recognition program management in real time.
It can point out where recognition could use a boost to increase engagement, in alignment with certain organizational goals, or it can make suggestions for potential mentorship matches, for example.
Fueled by the vast amount of data and feedback in the program, AI Assistant can make recommendations you might not have thought of otherwise.
Ultimately, AI’s adoption in HR depends on your individual approach. Schmiedl points out that “there are too many companies that are starting with the rules before they know what people are going to do.”
Instead of writing the rules in advance, you should let people find their natural uses for AI and then decide what behavior to encourage and foster.
Don't miss the next Spotlight episode
With so many innovations happening in the world of AI and HR, it can be hard to know where to start. On the next episode of Workhuman Spotlight, these AI experts will weigh in on how to find the right approach for your organization and what they’re each looking forward to as these tools – and work – continue to evolve.
After this Spotlight episode, you’ll walk away with new ideas about how to be creative with AI and HR, how to implement AI responsibly, and how new tools like Workhuman iQ and AI Assistant can help make your job easier.
This is a timely conversation you don’t want to miss. Register now.
About the author
Maeve Ginsberg
A wellness enthusiast and the mid-day walk’s #1 fan, Maeve champions work-life balance.
Having gone from a corporate job to self employment, Maeve has lived through countless working styles. This evolution forced confrontation of her own limiting beliefs, eventually breeding a completely individualized approach to work and productivity.
As a Senior Copywriter, Maeve often writes on workplace wellbeing and strives to advocate for all workers and leaders to find small yet significant ways to make their work lives healthier and more fulfilling.
Offline, Maeve enjoys testing new cuisines and hanging upside down off walls (also known as bouldering).