How to use AI to really transform HR practices
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming Human Resources (HR) practices in the UK, offering tools to enhance efficiency, ensure inclusivity and align employee needs with organisational goals.
However, businesses need to be mindful of their needs and think carefully before deciding which tools are best for them. We're exploring how you can use AI to really transform your HR practices in ways that count.
Using Technology to support team dynamics
In the UK's evolving work environment, digital tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams have become essential for maintaining productivity and collaboration. However, their constant connectivity can inadvertently create an "always-on" culture, leading to employee burnout.
As reported in The Times, a recent survey found that 42% of HR professionals work off-hours, contributing to feelings of being overwhelmed[1].
This is the first hurdle for HR Directors to overcome when integrating AI into their workplace. So, what can you do to provide teams with the right tools without creating an environment of overwhelm? Take a look at these easy to implement, actionable steps.
Ways to enjoy tech without the burnout:
- Establish clear communication protocols and define specific working hours. Encourage employees to disconnect after these times to promote work-life balance. Let's get rid of the inherently unhealthy "I stayed later than you" culture that used to be commonplace in workplaces!
- Embrace 'do not disturb' features. Encourage the use of "Do Not Disturb" settings on company tools during non-working hours to prevent unnecessary notifications.
- Ease off on the quick response time pressure, especially where using instant messaging apps, such as WhatsApp. Explore tools that allow team members to collaborate without the need for immediate responses, reducing pressure and allowing flexibility.
How can you use AI for enhanced HR practices?
By utilising AI for routine tasks such as employee onboarding, performance tracking and training management, HR teams can focus more on strategic decision-making.
But as these technologies evolve, it's essential to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring AI is used to create an equitable workplace for all employees.
Removing bias with AI
AI has the potential to minimise bias in various HR processes, from hiring to promotions and performance evaluations. However, to ensure fairness, organisations must carefully select and monitor AI tools to prevent unintended discrimination.
Forget writing content with AI, try it for the following instead:
- Conducting fair performance reviews. AI-powered analytics can help remove unconscious bias in performance evaluations by focusing on objective metrics rather than subjective perceptions. Research from the CIPD highlights that nearly 42% of UK employees believe workplace bias influences career progression[2]. As we see it, anything to reduce this stat is a huge bonus.
- Ensuring equitable promotions. AI-driven systems can analyse data on employee performance, skills and contributions to ensure promotions are based on merit rather than personal biases.
- Creating inclusive workplace policies establishing language that identifies and removes unintentional biases.
It's key to remember that AI is not a fix-all solution. If it's trained on biased data, it can reinforce existing inequalities.
A report from the UK's Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) found that bias in AI-driven recruitment and HR tools remains a significant concern and must be carefully managed through transparent algorithms and human oversight [3].
AI-powered efficiency improvements
Careful use of AI can undoubtedly improve efficiency for HR professionals across multiple areas. One of the biggest untapped advantages is AI's ability to personalise experiences at scale, ensuring that employees receive relevant support and development opportunities tailored to their unique needs.
We recommend exploring AI to enhance efficiency in the following areas:
- Try an AI chatbot for onboarding. They can streamline the onboarding process by guiding new hires, answering frequently asked questions and providing essential resources.
- AI-driven learning platforms analyse employee skills and recommend training modules based on individual career goals and performance. It's an efficient way to create a personalised learning experience.
- Use AI to analyse data for performance management. AI can process large volumes of performance data to identify trends, highlight strengths and suggest areas for improvement, helping HR teams make informed decisions about employee development and career progression.
By implementing AI responsibly, HR leaders can enhance operational efficiency while maintaining a human-centric approach that supports employee growth and engagement.
Ethical concerns and the evolving landscape
Despite its benefits, AI can inadvertently perpetuate existing biases if not properly managed. A study by the University of Washington found that some AI tools exhibit biases in ranking job applicants' names according to perceived race and gender [4].
So whilst workplaces are embracing AI to transform their HR practices, there's still a need for careful management and skilled human input. We're not yet at the stage of letting AI run our HR departments for us (thankfully!), but there are things you can do to maximise the benefits while mitigating risks.
Practical steps for safe and efficient use:
- Set clear boundaries for the use of your chosen tech platforms. Implement policies that prevent the overuse of communication tools, ensuring employees have time to disconnect.
- Choose your AI tools carefully! Select AI solutions that work for your particular set up and do your research before investing in anything.
- Invest in AI ethics training for all staff who'll be using the tools. It's essential to equip your teams with knowledge about AI ethics to ensure responsible implementation and ongoing monitoring.
What is AI's place in HR?
As it stands, 55% of HR leaders say their current technologies don't meet evolving business needs, as shown in a recent Gartner report [5]. This highlights the critical importance of investing in advanced solutions.
AI offers transformative potential for HR practices, enabling organisations to balance employee needs with business objectives effectively.
By adopting AI thoughtfully and preparing for its evolving role, HR Directors and COOs can lead their organisations toward a more efficient, fair and engaging workplace.
