Artificial intelligence has streamlined many human resources processes. These sophisticated computer programs excel at recognizing patterns, planning and adapting in ways that mimic human thought. Unlike people, however, who can grow tired or bored, or bring unconscious biases into their decisions, AI programs are fast, tireless and efficient.
AI is increasingly being used to automate many HR processes, and it appears automation is going to pay off big time. A study from McKinsey projects that AI will drastically change business, no matter the industry: “AI could potentially deliver additional economic output of around $13 trillion by 2030, boosting global GDP by about 1.2 percent a year.”
With that in mind, let’s consider seven ways AI improves efficiency in HR — and one reason why it’s not going to replace humans.
AI Can Sift Through Thousands of Applications Faster
Empty positions can exhaust your workforce and hurt company morale. So it’s important to quickly fill positions — but with the right person.
Sorting through incoming resumes is an arduous task that’s prone to error when left to human beings. AI can save HR departments up to 23 hours per hire by analyzing incoming applications and using algorithms to assess and evaluate the applicants’ experience, knowledge and skills.
It Increases Retention Rates and Productivity by Helping You Hiring More Qualified Candidates
Not only does AI speed up the candidate selection process and provide invaluable analysis, it also uses that data to help match candidates to the right jobs. AI algorithms can identify the traits of successful employees and look for candidates with similar characteristics for certain jobs.
It Reduces Hiring Bias
While discrimination in hiring is clearly against the law, HR personnel sometimes don’t realize they’re allowing personal biases to creep into the hiring process. After all, we’re only human. On the other hand, AI can disregard information regarding a candidate’s age, race and gender. It also doesn’t start with any biases for or against specific geographic areas, universities attended or organizational affiliations. These factors might play a subconscious role in hiring decisions when humans are reading resumes. Using AI can reduce hiring bias and help create a more culturally diverse workplace.
It Streamlines Employee Onboarding
New hires typically have many questions regarding benefits, paid time off and company policies. AI chatbots can answer these repetitive inquiries, freeing up HR personnel to handle tasks like training and office tours. AI can also assist with new-hire paperwork, helping employees get to work faster.
It Helps Employers Craft Job Descriptions
Today’s AI software can help recruiters craft the perfect job description. Programs like Textio recognize gender bias in ads, helping recruiters choose neutral language. Additionally, by comparing the language in an ad with previous ads that have worked well, AI software can help the writer craft prose to reach the desired candidates.
It Improves Employee Engagement and Builds Better Relationships
AI’s uses go beyond hiring. From scheduling meetings to coaching employees, today’s AI technology streamlines common business processes and all but eliminates the chance of human error.
It Helps You Save Time
AI helps recruiters and HR departments save time and increase efficiency. HR managers who don’t use automation for tasks such as payroll, applicant tracking, training, job postings and more say they lose an average of 14 hours a week completing these tasks manually. If your organization doesn’t use AI software to automate at least some aspects of HR, you could be losing time and money.
Why HR Still Needs People Despite These AI Strengths
AI excels at tasks that rely on data processing and pattern recognition, completing these functions faster and more efficiently than human beings can, making it a valuable tool for automating many aspects of HR.
But the “human” aspect of human resources shouldn’t be neglected. From making the final hiring decisions to finding creative ways to keep workers engaged, HR directors know their employees and their organization in ways AI software doesn’t. AI merely is a tool that can give HR team members more time to get to know employees, shape company culture and address issues that crop up.
Also, not every employee is comfortable adopting unfamiliar technologies. HR staff can ease the transition to AI, showing employees how using AI in HR can help nearly everyone in the workplace become more productive and efficient.
This article was originally published in 2017 and was updated in August 2019.
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