The COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to adopt remote work almost overnight, leaving HR departments grappling with increased workloads.
- AI and automation have emerged as crucial tools in streamlining HR processes during this transition, enhancing efficiency.
- Companies are increasingly relying on AI to manage recruitment tasks, improve employee query handling, and monitor performance.
- The adoption of AI in HR is poised to grow significantly, driven by its ability to handle routine tasks effectively.
- Rather than replacing HR roles, AI and automation augment HR capabilities, enabling a focus on employee engagement.
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed the workplace landscape. Organisations were compelled to embrace remote work with minimal preparation, resulting in an increase in HR workloads. According to a Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing survey, two-thirds of senior HR leaders in the UK expect their workloads to increase as remote work becomes the norm.
AI and automation have become essential in mitigating these challenges. These technologies offer practical solutions for automating routine HR tasks, thereby enhancing efficiency and accuracy. A survey by Gartner in 2019 predicted significant AI adoption by 2022, a forecast likely exceeded due to the pandemic.
One key area where AI is making a difference is in recruitment. Advanced HR solutions can streamline recruitment tasks, from identifying potential candidates to scheduling interviews, often without human intervention. Notably, companies such as L’Oréal have utilised chatbots to handle candidate queries, improving the recruitment process.
In handling employee queries, automation proves indispensable. Tools like Zoho People empower employees to manage tasks such as booking leave and tracking attendance independently. This functionality is particularly beneficial for non-desk-based staff, ensuring they remain connected regardless of location.
AI also plays a pivotal role in monitoring employee performance. With the traditional workplace model evolving, HR departments must find ways to maintain visibility over key performance indicators (KPIs). AI-driven software with analytics dashboards enables real-time monitoring of metrics, such as absenteeism and turnover, while predictive tools can even foresee potential employee departures with remarkable accuracy.
The conversation surrounding AI and automation is often linked to job displacement fears. However, these technologies do not replace HR professionals; rather, they augment their roles, allowing HR teams to dedicate more time to enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement.
AI and automation are pivotal in evolving HR processes to meet modern challenges, enhancing efficiency while supporting employee well-being.
