At Affogato, we’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of the modern workplace and the challenges that come with it. We witnessed the implementation of FMLA and later the expansion to CFRA; the evolution of workplace harassment training; and, most recently, increased scrutiny of wage-and-hour compliance, including meal and rest breaks.
Lately, we noticed an interesting trend worth discussing. It is the rise of AI-generated employee relations emails. Previously, you would receive an email from an employee written in their tone and expressed in a manner that allowed you to have an initial introduction to the issue at hand. It was the opening to a conversation about a leave of absence, vacation request, or a concern involving a co-worker or manager.
Increasingly, we are now seeing employees email their requests and concerns, not in their own voice but rather written by AI, complete with bolded points and highlighted words. The authentic tone is dampened, replaced with a formal series of arguments. What would have been an introduction now reads as an escalation, as if the employee is one step away from a lawsuit rather than the opening of a conversation.
Our recommendation when you get these AI-generated emails from employees is simple. Hold a conversation. Schedule a meeting. Connect with the employee to understand the issue at hand. Whatever you do, do not respond using the same technology. The goal is to connect, de-escalate the email thread, and meet with the employee to understand the genuine concerns without the filter of AI.
More often than not, once you connect directly with the employee, the discussion becomes more productive, the underlying concerns become clearer, and practical solutions emerge. When workplace concerns arise, put down the keyboard and have a conversation. That’s where understanding begins, and solutions are found.
If you need help in navigating employee relations, our team is always available.
Your HR Partners,
Suzanne, Jonna, Lisha and Karen
The above/attached information is not a legal advice. It should not be considered as a legal opinion as to which laws apply or as to how any law applies to a particular situation. Companies or individuals should seek advice of Counsel with regards to their situation.