The future of work: How HR can prepare for the rise of automation

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Preparing HR for an automated era: Strategies for Success!

25 Oct 2024
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Imagine a workplace where AI and automation handle routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on creativity, strategic initiatives, and relationship-building. How can HR prepare for this shift? What skills will be essential for HR leaders and teams? Well, let’s dive right in, and understand the strategies and insights for HR professionals and management aspirants to navigate the future of work in an automated era.

What is the role of HR in the automation era?

Automation isn’t just about technology; it’s about how it integrates into a human-centered workplace. HR plays a vital role in this transition by adopting new tools, supporting employees, and ensuring ethical practices. Here’s how HR can respond:
- Talent acquisition with AI tools: AI-powered recruitment tools like HireVue and Pymetrics analyze facial expressions, linguistic cues, and more to assess candidates’ emotional intelligence and predict job success. By using these tools, HR can streamline recruiting processes, reduce hiring biases, and improve diversity. However, it’s important to balance these tools with human intuition and ensure that ethical considerations are in place.
- Redefining job roles and functions: As automation takes over routine tasks, HR professionals must evolve job roles accordingly. For example, roles like data analysts, AI specialists, and digital transformation consultants have emerged in response to AI. HR should conduct regular job analyses to align roles with future organizational needs.
  Example: Amazon’s “Technical Academy” is an example, offering programs to help employees transition into tech-oriented roles within the company. This continuous evaluation helps align employee roles with organizational strategies in an automated world.
- Building a culture of continuous learning: With AI-driven roles emerging, employees must continuously update their skills. HR should foster a culture of lifelong learning by implementing Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Coursera or Udacity for professional development.
Example: AT&T’s reskilling initiative

Faced with an evolving technological landscape, AT&T recognized the need to reskill for future roles. Through its “Future Ready” program, the company invested a billion dollars in training half its workforce on data science, cybersecurity, and AI.

This initiative has not only equipped employees with valuable skills but also enhanced organizational agility, enabling AT&T to remain competitive in a tech-driven world. HR played a crucial role in assessing skill gaps, designing training programs, and promoting a culture of continuous learning.
- Promoting innovation and agility: A culture that embraces change and values creativity is essential in an automated world. HR can promote this by encouraging cross-functional collaboration and supporting innovation initiatives. Companies like Google use “20% time,” allowing employees to work on personal projects, which often leads to groundbreaking ideas. HR can introduce similar initiatives, fostering a workplace that embraces and drives change.
What skills must the HR leaders develop to lead in the age of AI and automation?

To effectively lead organizations in the age of automation, HR leaders need to develop a range of skills that balance technology with the human element:
- Data literacy: As AI becomes more integrated into HR, data-driven decision-making is essential. HR leaders should develop the ability to interpret complex data sets and draw meaningful insights from them. For instance, data on employee engagement can help HR anticipate turnover trends and proactively address workforce satisfaction.
- Technological proficiency: Understanding the basics of AI, machine learning, and automation technologies will enable HR leaders to assess the potential impact on their organizations. Programs on platforms like LinkedIn Learning offer courses tailored for HR professionals on emerging technologies. Familiarity with tools such as chatbots, automated scheduling, and predictive analytics can improve the efficiency of HR operations.
Example: Unilever’s automated hiring process

Unilever has integrated AI into its hiring process to increase efficiency and reduce biases. The company uses AI algorithms to screen resumes, conduct video interviews, and analyze candidates’ verbal responses, facial expressions, and tone. This has led to a 16% increase in diversity and a significant reduction in hiring time. HR at Unilever focuses on ensuring that these tools are used ethically, creating a process that blends technology with human oversight.

Example: Unilever’s automated hiring process
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): As automation takes over routine tasks, HR’s role in maintaining employee morale, engagement, and well-being becomes even more critical. Emotional intelligence is vital for addressing employee concerns and creating a supportive environment. An HR professional’s ability to empathize, actively listen, and provide personalized support will be invaluable as employees navigate the challenges of a changing workplace.
- Change management: HR leaders must guide organizations through transformations by communicating effectively, managing expectations, and fostering a positive approach to change. This involves setting up structured processes for implementing new technologies, addressing employee concerns, and continuously gathering feedback. Organizations like GE have established robust change management frameworks to facilitate smooth transitions during periods of technological advancement.
- Ethical and legal awareness: With increased reliance on AI, HR leaders should be well-versed in ethical guidelines and data privacy laws. This is especially important as employee data collection and AI-driven decision-making become more prevalent. HR professionals must ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR in the EU and understand the ethical implications of using AI in recruitment and performance management.
What is the role of leading B-schools in preparing management graduates for the AI era?

As workplaces evolve, B-schools must adapt their curricula to prepare HR graduates for an automated world. Here are ways leading institutions can step up:
- Integrating technology courses: Schools should offer courses that focus on AI, data analysis, and digital transformation in HR contexts. SOIL Institute of Management, for example, includes modules on AI-driven HR practices, allowing students to understand how technology can enhance decision-making and streamline HR functions.
- Hands-on experience with AI tools: B-schools like SOIL provide their students with practical experiences using AI-based HR tools. Programs could include simulations where students use tools like Predictive Index for talent assessments or Oracle HCM for workforce management. Exposure to these tools allows students to graduate with hands-on knowledge, ready to make immediate contributions.
- Fostering an ethical framework: It’s crucial to address the ethical implications of automation in HR. SOIL Institute of Management incorporates case studies that explore the ethical use of AI in hiring and performance management. Courses that discuss data privacy laws and regulations will also equip students to handle AI technologies responsibly.
- Developing leadership and soft skills: While technical skills are essential, HR professionals must also excel in communication, empathy, and change management. As a matter of fact, SOIL provides mentorship programs and workshops on soft skills, preparing future HR leaders to navigate the human challenges that automation presents.
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FAQs
How does automation impact HR roles?

Automation in HR streamlines tasks like recruitment, payroll, and employee engagement, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic areas such as talent development, diversity, and change management.

What skills are essential for HR professionals in an automated workplace?

Key skills include data literacy, emotional intelligence, technological proficiency, change management, and ethical awareness, all of which help HR professionals adapt to and leverage automation.

How can HR help employees adapt to automation?

HR can support employees through reskilling programs, continuous learning opportunities, and transparent communication on how automation enhances roles rather than replaces them.

What real-world examples demonstrate HR’s response to automation?

Companies like Unilever and AT&T showcase successful HR initiatives with AI integration, such as AI-driven hiring processes and large-scale employee reskilling programs.

How are B-schools preparing HR graduates for an automated world?

Leading B-schools are integrating technology-focused courses, offering hands-on AI tool experiences, and developing ethical frameworks, which prepare students for future challenges in HR.

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How does automation impact HR roles?

What skills are essential for HR professionals in an automated workplace?

How can HR help employees adapt to automation?

What real-world examples demonstrate HR’s response to automation?

How are B-schools preparing HR graduates for an automated world?

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PGDM Batch 2025-27 Orientation Start Date - 20th June 2025

Register TO STUDY AT SOIL

How does automation impact HR roles?

What skills are essential for HR professionals in an automated workplace?

How can HR help employees adapt to automation?

What real-world examples demonstrate HR’s response to automation?

How are B-schools preparing HR graduates for an automated world?

Never miss a beat. Get Blog updates regularly in your inbox

PGDM Batch 2025-27 Orientation Start Date - 20^th June 2025