Ok, we got the memo. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay. But what does this mean for HR professionals, and how can we leverage this technology to benefit our organizations and our people?
Lisha Gray has been spearheading our internal initiative to understand AI and how it can benefit our business. One thing that her work has confirmed is that AI is not meant to replace human intuition, compassion or nuance.
What are we learning?
AI can automate routine tasks, freeing us up to focus on more strategic and creative work.
AI can analyze vast amounts of data to provide actionable insights, helping HR make informed decisions and identify trends.
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 support, answering common questions and alleviating the work on stretched HR teams.
We’re spending our energy on using AI to help us harness our collective Human Intelligence. Consistent with our belief that there is rarely one right answer, we see that AI will be like one more Affogato team member sitting around the coffee table, offering up possible answers to a question. The source of those possibilities? Our collective memory, as stored in all of our data.
The other day I was walking and talking with one of my trusted advisors about other ways that Affogato could use AI. The idea of some kind of a chatbot that can help address some of the common questions that come to us came up. My reaction was the same as it was 15 years ago when we talked about using automated workflows to “spit out” the right form when an employee asks and that was “No way”. Why? Part of what makes us a trusted advisor to our clients is that we keep asking questions until we are sure that we are answering the real question. I personally have no confidence that an AI tool (at least not one that a small business can afford) will be sophisticated enough to understand when the question being asked isn’t really the question.
Our take?
We recognize the importance of AI as a tool to support our work. I’m looking forward to the day when I don’t need to remember as much, so that I can get information quickly. But, I will still rely on my intuition and my empathy to provide the best advice.
As we continue to navigate the intersection of AI and HR, we would love to know how are you using AI, in all areas including HR? Drop us a note and follow us on LinkedIn so we can continue the conversation.
P.S. Don’t forget to send us a picture of you enjoying an affogato and we’ll send you a cup of coffee!