Have you noticed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has turned things upside down in the HR industry? And it’s done so in just a few years. It has made things like posting jobs and screening resumes easier. AI is even picking candidates by itself! Few would argue that AI has made life easier for recruiters and HR professionals.
But at the end of the day, HR is all about people, so… AI is great for solving complex problems, but it will never, do you hear me? – will never replace the understanding, empathy and human interaction that only people can bring. Wouldn’t you agree?
Our idea is to address the ins and outs of using advanced technology in the workplace (there is no escaping it these days), while maintaining the human touch in working with employees. So let’s get started.
AI in HR: How is technology being used in hiring?
Of all the HR functions, recruiting has been the first to take advantage of AI. This is to be expected, as AI effectively automates tasks that used to take too much time:
- Creating job descriptions
- Posting and managing job descriptions
- Creating a list of questions to ask in an interview, making the interview preparation process smarter and faster.
A widespread use of AI in recruiting saves time and budgets that used to be allocated to this pool of tasks. But there is another side to the coin.
According to the survey, there are three reasons why AI is still underutilized in HR:
- Lack of knowledge about how AI tools can help,
- Lack of resources to properly validate AI algorithms,
- Fear that AI will replace the “human touch”.
The third is the most common. Is AI really increasingly replacing the “human” in HR? No, it’s not. Moreover, there are very specific ways to preserve and maintain the human in the hiring process.
Ways to increase the role of the “human” in HR in the age of AI
Despite the growing adoption of AI, maintaining human interaction in the workplace remains a priority and a necessity. HR professionals will need to think strategically about the use of technology while preserving what HR was created for: the ability to talk and listen to an employee, to support and help someone who needs help. No technology can replace the feeling of being heard and understood by another human being.
Companies, especially IT startups, can rely on HR outsourcing to successfully balance the human touch and AI. But we know of some practical ways to prioritize the “human” in HR while leveraging AI in recruiting. Here are some of the main ones.
Automate manual tasks with AI
Every company has a number of HR-related tasks that don’t require empathy or human input. These include answering common questions from job seekers, analyzing resumes, processing salary and benefits data, running reports, or gathering information to prepare for a specific conversation with employees. All of this can be delegated to artificial intelligence.
In this sense, AI services are revolutionizing the operational management of modern businesses. By automating routine tasks, recruiters and HR professionals can focus on more sensitive issues that require empathy. Employees often need career advice or are on the verge of burnout – these are situations where a human touch is essential.
Personalize communication with your employees
What makes interpersonal relationships stronger is the willingness and ability to understand each other’s needs. When HR professionals know what an employee wants and what can explain their behavior (e.g., decreased productivity, avoidance of teamwork, or problems with colleagues), communication becomes more meaningful and coordinated.
In this regard, AI is indispensable. It can be used to collect data on each employee’s past performance or take into account the results of employee surveys, and based on this specific information, you can already design personalized communications. This means that you can provide more meaningful advice and support when needed, or know when to reward an employee.
In this case, AI enhances the role of the human touch and ensures that nothing critical is overlooked.
Take a well-being-centered approach
With seemingly soulless technology taking over the world, the economy collapsing, and artificial intelligence trying to take over jobs, people are not feeling their best. Effective employee engagement practices that prioritize employees’ psychological health and well-being can help them cope with uncertainty.
Within the organization, it is necessary to create a supportive environment where employees feel safe and, as a result, are more engaged in their work. Artificial intelligence can also help, including various LMS or other comprehensive platforms, as well as mobile apps that each employee can use to monitor health, exercise, or manage stress.
Promote a culture of trust in a hybrid work environment model
Artificial intelligence is here to stay. So are hybrid or fully remote work environments. This is a given, and against the backdrop of AI adoption, the situation may seem like a stalemate, as the ability to maintain face-to-face communication in such an environment is reduced to zero.
However, there are ways to bring the human touch back into HR. In such circumstances, we need to rethink our approach to team and performance management. Coaching, mentoring, a greater focus on inclusivity, and cultivating empathy and trust in the team can help.
Communication is key. In other words, the new AI-driven work environment goes hand in hand with a culture of trust.
Encourage professional development
Instead of just setting goals and analyzing employee performance, show that you care about each team member’s professional development.
Implement employee training programs through your LMS, customize personalized recommendations for each learner using artificial intelligence tools, and focus on developing soft skills among HR team members.
As statistics show, training and development is one of the areas of HR where AI is having the biggest impact:
Staying abreast of the latest trends in the industry and developing the soft skills needed for interpersonal communication in the team will help maintain the human touch in HR.
Conclusion
AI is here to stay, and that’s a fact we have to accept. But at the same time, it’s important to understand that AI won’t replace the human touch. In fact, because it can automate manual tasks, this technology enhances the human aspect of HR.
We get more in-person time, we have tools to develop our soft skills, and we definitely succeed through personalized team communication. In today’s environment, the challenge is to find a healthy balance between applying AI and maintaining the human touch of HR. The result is a more people-centric HR strategy that can better meet the ever-changing needs of employees while helping businesses thrive.
