The Impact of AI in Human Resources

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have several implications for human resources and employment. This guide will review how these tools affect the future of human resources management, the technology that is available today, and some of the top applications of machine learning in HR.

 

A Beginner’s Guide to AI in HR

 AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to technology that allows software and computer systems to make decisions the way that a human would. Machine learning algorithms analyze data to automatically recognize underlying trends and patterns to refine their predictions and improve outputs.

You may be wondering how ML human resources look since HR is heavily dependent on the human factor. The key is that AI allows management to make strategic decisions quickly. These data-driven decisions enhance the experience for current employees and future candidates. It also allows them to better understand their target audience while developing results-driven human resources practices.

 

The Future of Human Resources Management

 So, is artificial intelligence the future of human resources management? The answer is likely yes.

According to McKinsey’s study, AI is expected to have an impact of over $13 trillion on the global economy. Machine learning is expected to transform every industry, and human resources are no exception.

We expect that HR professionals will utilize technology to enhance the human experience. Incorporating tested data can optimize the industry and create an intuitive work environment. However, this major shift will not come without any challenges.

One of the biggest concerns with utilizing machine learning for employment is making the technology simpler and safer. Human resources management involves a sensitive employee and company data, so the systems they use must meet all security and privacy requirements.

Similarly, employees will always prefer to interact with a real person when it comes to HR issues, so they must retain the human factor while still taking advantage of the benefits that artificial intelligence has to offer.

 

Machine Learning in HR Technology

In 2017, IBM performed a study to measure how artificial intelligence will impact human resources. The most significant finding is related to helping professionals make daily decisions quickly.

To this end, machine learning can leverage transactional workforce data to predict everything from employee engagement to fatigue or risk of turnover. Optimizing scheduling and workloads can improve the employee experience and improve performance and retention.

The major premise of machine learning in HR technology is to take care of repetitive administrative tasks so that managers can spend more time working with employees and fostering a productive workplace.

For instance, chatbots powered by artificial intelligence can be used to converse with employees. The experience feels like it is on a human-like level so that employees can address specific concerns. Other tasks like administrating benefits packages and scheduling interviews can also take up much of an HR professional’s valuable time – but a machine learning model can automate them!

 

Top Applications of AI in HR

 The top three artificial intelligence applications in HR are the following: talent acquisition, employee onboarding, and personnel development.

 

Talent Acquisition

Acquiring new talent for the company is one of the most vital tasks that human resources professionals face. This process generally involves screening candidates, reviewing resumes, scheduling interviews, and working with potential new hires to answer their questions.

Maintaining a database of potential prospects can be time-consuming, and, if done manually, it can take away vital resources from more value-added things that need to be done. Similarly, manual processes can drag out the time it takes to hire a new employee. This timeline makes it difficult for both the department that needs additional help and the person trying to get the job.

With artificial intelligence and machine learning, you can use chatbots to communicate with potential clients and narrow down the list to only the individuals that best fit the job description. The machine learning model can even schedule interviews with the top applicants, allowing the HR professionals to focus on conducting the interview and other essential tasks.

AI-enabled screening cannot only help choose the candidates with the most relevant skill set, but it can also perform background checks another analysis to ensure that you select the top prospect.

 

Employee Onboarding

Once you have hired the best candidate, the HR team is responsible for onboarding the new employee. Incorporating artificial intelligence into the onboarding process can help employees learn everything from company policies and procedures to important information about their team members and specific assignments.

An effective onboarding process has been proven to boost employee retention rates and productivity, making sense that machine learning could be used to make this process seamless.

For example, the machine learning algorithm could answer FAQ, verify employment documentation, manage device and access requests, and more.

 

Personnel Development

 Another important application of AI in human resources relates to professional development and investing in your employees. AI-integrated systems can help companies train their employees and hone the skills needed for specific jobs.

The skillset needed for a position may change over time, so employees must remain current with new technology and industry innovations. The machine learning model can assess their current skill level and recommend learning programs or training videos to improve their knowledge.

Likewise, artificial intelligence can analyze large amounts of data to determine which employees need training – and in which fields. The information this technology can obtain will ensure that your employees learn better and faster. You can even integrate them with tools to identify career paths based on the chosen training plan!

 

 Artificial Intelligence and Recruiting

 As we mentioned earlier, artificial intelligence has significant applications in talent acquisition. Let’s dive in a bit more into how machine learning can enhance recruiting efforts.

When your company grows rapidly, your HR department needs to scale the candidate screening and interview scheduling processes. Machine learning models can review resumes submitted on smart digital forms, alleviating many of the manual work required in the recruiting process.

The AI platform can recognize relevant information and even store it in a database for future use so that candidates do not need to resubmit information when applying to several positions. If they move forward through the hiring process, the information can also be compared to background check information and other references.

Imagine how much easier recruiting would be if you could automatically review a candidate’s previous work history to match them with the open role that best suits their skills! 

 

Final Thoughts

 Artificial intelligence is not something far off in the future – it is already having actionable impacts on human resources today. Machine learning models streamline the HR process, and benefits can be seen everywhere, from recruiting and onboarding to professional development.

Implementing AI in HR will increase productivity and has the potential to reduce operational costs and time spent on mundane, repetitive tasks. It can also boost the overall employee experience, which will drive retention rates upwards.

There has been a massive shift in the way human resources professionals interact with their teams, and the use of technology will only continue to grow and improve their efforts.