The process of automation and AI has brought about change within the human resource functions and made the work easier and much more efficient. These technologies are not mere fads; they rapidly reshape human resource function by altering how organizations approach recruitment and employee lifecycle management. Today, HR is leveraging automation and AI to declutter their work, enhance employees’ experience, and create a future-proof workforce.

Let’s take a look at some of the latest trends, numbers, and insights showing how automation and AI are reshaping HR.

Automation: A Key Focus for HR Leaders

Among the most important areas that HR leaders are currently targeting is automation. As per the Flux to Flow 2022 survey, 39% of HR leaders revealed that automating HR services is one of their key objectives. This implies that companies are cutting down the time they take to do simple tasks like managing the employees’ compensation, hiring employees, and providing other employee benefits. Automation tools can greatly help HR departments. It makes their work easier and more effective while the department can concentrate on the company’s biggest challenges.

When these routine processes are performed manually, HR managers can free their time and focus on more critical work, which includes enhancing employee morale, managing talents, and establishing a great work culture. Thanks to automation, HR teams can now provide their services to employees much faster, improving organizations’ performance.

AI: Boosting Productivity and Enhancing Employee Experience

Another tool that has come into play to revolutionize HR operations is Artificial intelligence (AI). According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, 2023, 86% of workers want AI to help them find the necessary information. In HR, AI can assist in providing quick solutions to employees’ queries, thus enhancing efficiency in the company. For instance, AI chatbots can instantly answer most employees’ questions, freeing up the HR department to address other issues.

In fact, according to the same report, 76% of people are willing to use AI for administrative purposes. These may include setting up meetings, dealing with emails, and handling leave forms. These functions can be automated, freeing the employees to do more productive work in the organization.

It is also essential for HR departments to select the right candidate for the right position. Other AI applications can read through numerous resumes and select people with the right skills for the job. This makes the hiring process faster and more efficient in that one is not likely to interview many candidates. Also, AI can assist in eradicating bias in hiring so that everyone has an equal chance of being hired.

Upskilling for a Changing Workforce

With the automation of work, people fear AI will eliminate human jobs. However, many workers believe AI and automation do not threaten their positions; instead, they can help them. Microsoft’s Work Trend Index for 2023 shows the % of workers in creative roles and those who are comfortable using AI in the workplace is 87%. This means that employees are willing to have AI integrated into their work, especially in the creative industries.

However, with growing automation and artificial intelligence, workers have to learn new competencies and skills in the workplace. According to a survey conducted by PwC, 73% of people think technology can never mimic the human brain. Although many processes can be automated or entrusted to AI, creativity, problem-solving, and empathy cannot be outsourced to machines.

To meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological world, workers must enhance their training to work with their new colleagues—the robots. HR departments should help in this respect by providing training that will enable the employees to develop the skills needed.

AI and Automation Are Here to Stay

Automation and artificial intelligence are already transforming many businesses today, but the real change is just starting. The UiPath Automation Trends 2023 report shows that organizations that have been able to adopt automation have done so using low-code solutions. Low-code platforms allow companies of all sizes to easily implement automation tools by creating workflows with little coding.

This proves that automation is not strictly the preserve of big corporations but is gradually being extended to small and medium-sized businesses. Integrating automation technologies will allow businesses to increase their capacity, enhance the efficiency of their employees, and remain relevant in the competitive market.

The Future of HR: Embracing Technology for Better Outcomes

HR professionals’ work will become even more challenging and rewarding as technology advances. HR departments can perform their tasks with the help of automation and AI, enhancing employee satisfaction. These tools help the HR teams concentrate on valuable activities such as talent management, leadership, and organizational culture.

The use of automation and AI in HR has increased and will only continue to increase. These technologies will enable HR practitioners who use them to effect change positively. It helps increase productivity and develop a competent and motivated workforce.

HR leaders need to understand that technology supports the workforce as businesses progress but not replace it with emotions and intelligence. Thus, the future of HR is about leveraging technology to enhance human capabilities and build organizations that can build human capital.