Survey indicates HR pros now more receptive to AI

A survey of HR professionals in the UK has found that the overwhelming majority of them now view artificial intelligence (AI) as something that could be transformative for their industry, although as a complement to human beings rather than a replacement.

The ‘State of Employee Engagement Report’ from WorkBuzz surveyed a total of 335 people working in HR roles. The results show that the levels of AI use within the industry have risen by a significant amount. They also show senior HR professionals becoming more amenable to the technology, with 81% saying that it could be integrated into the functions of their workplaces.

A further 50% told the survey that this prospect was one they welcomed with excitement. It adds up to a sea-change in attitudes compared with earlier years. Speaking to People Management, Steven Frost from WorkBuzz said:

“In last year’s State of Employee Engagement Report, we found that just over half of UK HR professionals were open to using AI, and so mindsets are significantly changing as time-poor HR teams look at how new technologies can effectively support them.”

Those with knowledge of the subject do not expect AI to take the place of human beings when it comes to HR. Instead, it is more likely to enable routine tasks to be automated, leaving teams free to concentrate on working with people.

That will still mean radical change for the sector, though. Bringing in HR transformation services could help to make the process a bit smoother.

Martin Colyer from LACE Partners said that AI implementation must be handled carefully.