We are all experiencing the increase of AI in the workplace. Trends indicate that the use of AI is positively transforming the employee experience.
AI is helping HR departments find new ways to prioritize employee well-being, automate tasks, complete performance reviews, and optimize the recruitment and hiring experience. Implementing accessible AI-powered tools for employees will ultimately drive increased engagement, enhance productivity, and encourage upskilling, ultimately improving the ability to attract and retain top talent.
The Use of Generative AI in Human Resources: Employee Experience
There’s no question that a positive employee experience drives organizational success in a myriad of ways, such as engagement, productivity, satisfaction, performance, and revenue. When all aspects of a positive employee experience come together, you get a happier workforce and better retention. The current problem lies in HR’s limited access to the data necessary for gauging how each facet of the employee experience relates to overall well-being and satisfaction.
Moving forward, HR teams can utilize generative AI to bridge the gap between data and actionable insights. From recruitment and hiring to performance reviews and training assessments, GenAI can automate tasks, analyze data, and personalize employee experiences. For example:
- Monitoring and enhancing employee engagement by analyzing performance data
- Identifying key skills and high-level performers, as well as skills gaps
- Recommending actions to improve satisfaction levels and help prevent turnover
- Simplifying onboarding with automated paperwork and training resources
Upskilling and Reskilling Using AI
With the rapid pace of technological change, HR is focused on helping employees acquire new skills and adapt to evolving roles. The unfortunate truth is that only 43% of workers say their organizations have left them better off than when they started. This leads to a concept known as the performance paradox, where workers feel compelled to employ performative tactics to demonstrate their job performance. It’s essential for employees to feel like they can keep pace with AI adoption instead of being left behind because of it.
To address this, HR teams can use AI-powered tools to track progress through performance evaluation systems and use that data to provide upskilling, reskilling, and development opportunities. This also enables organizations to establish open communication channels regarding future company plans and create a space for employee feedback and concerns.
The Development of HR Technology
HR technology is evolving to support these new trends, with a focus on AI-powered tools, employee experience platforms, and data analytics. All aspects of HR operations are transforming, including recruitment, hiring, employee engagement, and training, with AI at the center. Think screening resumes and ranking candidates, predicting turnover and identifying training gaps, and analyzing employee feedback to inform engagement.
Employee experience platforms (EXPs), where employees can access any resource or communication they need in one place and in real time, are one HR technology front that is adding new layers with AI. Conversational AI and chatbots enable employees to quickly navigate a platform and find what they need, eliminating the need for manual sifting and streamlining knowledge access.
This shift to automated tasks and simplified processes could pave the way for what can be called the “super-worker”, an employee who utilizes AI to enhance daily performance and free up time for higher-value work.
Building Resilience in Employees and the Workplace
The race to adopt AI in HR, combined with the rapidly changing nature of technology, business impacts, and ethical use, can also put pressure on teams and foster uncertainty. HR is currently leading the way in AI adoption; in fact, 74% of U.S.-based HR leaders believe they’re adopting AI more quickly than other departments.
However, if AI adoption is not approached with strategic goal planning and consideration for how team members will adapt, it can cause stress, lower morale, damage productivity, and even lead to turnover.
Leaders must be mindful of their employees’ well-being when rapidly implementing innovative tech. This includes providing extra support in training, maintaining clear communication channels, and prioritizing their physical and mental health. After all, the function of HR is about the people. Here are some ways leaders can help keep their teams resilient in the face of major changes:
- Empower employees to drive AI strategy and learn to adopt AI in an experiential way rather than a top-down approach. Collaboration and empowerment can be critical drivers of AI, enabling organization-wide deployment.
- Provide clarity on the organization’s long-term AI goals, establish open communication channels, and offer ongoing training support.
- Ensure employees understand leadership’s commitment to their well-being. Emotional and mental well-being is as important for a workforce as productivity and efficiency. Provide opportunities for employees to better cope with change and uncertainty (HR-facilitated yoga classes, meditation sessions, and Employee Assistance Programs).
Commitment to building employee resilience, particularly in the face of rapid AI adoption, is critical to creating a positive environment, as is being mindful of individual employees’ needs in the workplace. Having access to confidential conversations or simply knowing that there’s a safe space to talk and ask questions can make all the difference.
The Future of HR and AI
It is no question that AI-driven strategies and tools are the future of employee experience, and the revolution will only continue to grow and adjust as organizations recognize the inherent value it brings to their teams: a better employee experience, a more efficient workflow, and more room for innovation. It’s crucial for HR leaders to understand how AI will augment the people and processes in their department rather than replace them.
As you continue to scale your departments and organizations into local and global markets, Vistatec can support you in adopting new technologies and help you be fully prepared. Reach out to us today to learn more!
