Is There a Place for AI in HR?

Chances are, if you work in Human Resources, some form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) news  has come across your desk. But how can a concept that begins with artificial benefit a field that starts with the word human? Are there any real world applications for this type of technology in such a person to person oriented discipline? A brief and basic explanation of the idea behind AI could provide better context when looking for ways to utilize the technology in HR. Artificial Intelligence refers to building machines that can think on their own. These machines still need to be programmed with the appropriate calculations and commands but are designed to absorb inputs and learn from them in future decision making. The data analytics and processing capabilities of this type of infrastructure could modernize and streamline both the back-end and front-end of human resources.

Everyone Needs an Assistant

There are two distinct facets to HR:

  • Managing files and paperwork – the back-end
  • Training new and existing employees – the front-end

HR departments, or in many  instances, the HR person, handle a multitude of back-end tasks. AI technology can play more of an assistive role, especially when it comes to the challenging task of  hiring new people. Technology can screen online applications and make recommendations based on an initial set of minimum qualifications. AI can also be taught to identify potential red flags, such as gaps in employment, and quickly disqualify any application. AI based infrastructure can also deliver  interactive first interview screenings that can identify potential candidates and offer accurate recommendations and detailed reporting on the interaction. Using this type of technology in the initial stages of hiring gets potential new hires comfortable early on. File management and HR related paperwork can also see benefits from AI as systems learn individual company processes and methods to ensure accuracy and appropriate updates of such files.

On The Job Training for New Hires

HR departments are also tasked with ensuring employees are trained properly. Getting newly hired employees on the right foot is critical for their success at the job but traditional training methods may fall short with today’s fully connected and empowered candidate. Using technology, HR departments can deploy fast and effective training to new hires. AI platforms and highly capable mobile devices can ‘walk’ new hires through their duties directly in the work environment. Ai software can even adjust to the pace of the individual and perform knowledge checks to ensure concepts and processes are fully understood. As the ‘machine’ learns  how the new hire learns, the technology can make language and other adjustments to training material in real time. Immersing new hires with this type of technology and hardware will get them comfortable using these platforms early in their careers which means easier adoption of newer technologies down the road.

Using AI Technology for Upskilling

Upskilling is a relatively new term in HR and training and refers to the process of adding new skills to individuals who are already on the team. The productivity benefits or Upskilling are loud and clear but deploying these new skills quickly can be a challenge. Using AI platforms and hardware, HR departments can reduce workloads on managers and supervisors by delegating upskilling tasks to technology. Interactive and engaging content can make a positive impact on long term employees who have already shown enthusiasm and commitment to the business.  Upskilling modules using AI can deliver a seamless end to end training process, even completing evaluations and recommendations for next phases in upskilling. Longer term employees have shown interest in development and understanding the business they work for and AI technology can help cultivate that interest while maximizing productivity and efficiency from the employee.

The Bottom Line

There is a dramatic thought that artificial intelligent powered technology could eventually replace humans in the jobs they do. AI is indeed a powerful technology but we are not even close to learning machines taking over the planet. That said, AI is an indispensable tool in business and can bring new efficiencies to the field of Human Resources. Back-end tasks such as managing and updating employee files can be streamlined with AI powered technology. More interactive tasks such as screening applications and performing first interviews can also be delegated to technology, saving time and resources on these normally arduous jobs. New hire on-boarding and training can also be handed off to AI powered applications that can literally walk employees through their new duties. This type of on-the-spot training is also very effective at reskilling by keeping engagement and pace high and time commitment low. Even though AI starts with artificial and HR starts with human, there is a case  for assistive technology in building a more productive and effective HR department. AI could potentially help safe time by automating certain tasks while delivering training that is fast and has impact.