The Leaders Championing the AI Workplace Movement - Part 5

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For the final part of The Leaders Championing the AI Workplace Movement series, we look at how organizations balance AI-driven automation with a human-centric approach to work. HR is navigating the integration of AI-driven automation by strategically leveraging technology to streamline administrative tasks while preserving and enhancing the human elements of the employee experience. AI tools are increasingly being used to automate repetitive functions like payroll, recruitment screening, and performance tracking, freeing up HR professionals to focus on relationship-building and strategic initiatives. By incorporating AI into these processes, HR can improve efficiency and accuracy, but the emphasis remains on using the technology to support—not replace—human interactions. For instance, AI-driven insights can help managers personalize employee development plans or identify early signs of burnout, enabling timely and empathetic interventions.

At the same time, HR leaders are cautious about over-reliance on AI, ensuring that its use aligns with a people-first philosophy. Maintaining transparency about how AI is used, providing training for employees to use these tools effectively, and addressing concerns about job displacement are central to this balance. HR is focusing on fostering a culture of trust and emotional connection by prioritizing human engagement in areas like mentorship, conflict resolution, and team building, where AI cannot replicate the nuance of human empathy. This balanced approach ensures that AI enhances productivity while keeping the employee experience deeply rooted in understanding, inclusivity, and genuine connection. ??

For this series, I spoke to Fortune 500 CHROs including Donna Morris (Chief People Officer, Walmart), Michael Fraccaro (Chief People Officer, Mastercard), Cornelius Boone (Chief People Officer, eBay), Kirsten Marriner (Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer, The Clorox Company), Maria Zangardi (SVP, HR, and Corporate Officer, Universal Health Services), and Karen Dunning (Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Motorola Solutions).

How are you balancing the potential for AI-driven automation with the need to maintain a human-centric approach to employee experience and engagement?

Cornelius Boone (eBay): One of the key benefits of AI is that, when used properly, it can free up time for eBayers to spend more time building strategic customer solutions. If AI can manage calendars more effectively, synthesize information faster, complete repetitive tasks more efficiently, our leaders will be able to spend more time developing our teams and focusing on our buyers and sellers. Our goal is to enable employees to focus on the work that they do best — the human creativity and emotional intelligence needed to make great decisions. Connection and collaboration are invaluable to the employee experience, and AI can’t replace that.

Maria Zangardi (Universal Health Services): Very carefully and responsibly. For over four decades, we have built a culture of Service Excellence, keeping the patient at the center of everything we do.? That focus remains in place as we evaluate the use of AI in healthcare. Nursing is still the most trusted profession, as quantified by Gallup year after year. Nursing patients in direct care settings will continue to have a place in our care continuum.??

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