Why HR Practitioners Must Lead the Charge in AI Adoption.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the business landscape, yet many human resources (HR) departments are slow or hesitant to embrace it. However, HR practitioners have a critical role in driving AI adoption. Here’s why:

Closing the Gap: According to a 2024 Gartner survey, only 38% of HR leaders are actively piloting or implementing generative AI. To stay relevant, HR must catch up. Waiting too long risks falling behind, and I challenge my African businesses and HR colleagues to step up and be counted as change makers and legends. We in Africa have a critical responsibility to chart the course and lead the way for Africa’s future workforce. The upcoming Global Conference on Human Resources in Africa, which has SHRM and global HR leaders including SHRM's president Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP attending is a good starting place to initiate the conversation and planning processes (https://gchrafrica.com/ )

Strategic Talent Management: HR practitioners should function as AI advisors, guiding their organizations on the best use cases for AI. We can recommend guardrails for other departments and proactively explore AI solutions that strengthen our organizations' success and competitive edge.

Employee Involvement: By involving employees in the transition process, HR can leverage its most valuable asset—people. Conversations with decision-makers should focus on strategic objectives aligned with AI adoption. Valuing employees ensures sustainable success in the AI-powered workplace, and HR should drive these interactions.

Accountability and Ownership: HR leaders should lead and hold team members accountable for AI outcomes. AI is a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. HR associates using AI for tasks like drafting employee handbooks must take ownership of accuracy and completeness.

In summary, as HR practitioners, we must step up, embrace AI, and lead the charge. By doing so, we can drive organizational success, enhance talent management, and ensure a smooth transition into an AI-powered future.

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