Alongside, not against: balancing man with machine in the HR function

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-12-2018-0103
Date08 April 2019
Pages56-61
Published date08 April 2019
AuthorJohn Gikopoulos
Subject MatterHR & organizational behaviour,Employee behaviour
Alongside, not against: balancing man
with machine in the HR function
John Gikopoulos
Abstract
Purpose In a world of mass technological advancement in our daily lives and in business, the HR
function is facing an uphillbattle. How can HR professionals ensure they are digitallytransforming at the
right pacefor their business without losing the all-importanthuman touch?
Design/methodology/approach This paper outlines the thinking behind integrating artificial
intelligence (AI) and automationtechnologies into HR, and it explores in depth each of the key ways in
which we are beginning to see these technologies change HR as we know it. From operations to
recruitmentand interviewing, to on-boarding employees and maintainingperformance, the opportunities
are numerousand they are right on the horizon.
Findings AI and automation are already being integrated into HR in many organisations around the
world. However, we can in the near future expect to see technology not only automating back-office
functions, but increasingly taking on the more ‘‘human’’ elements of HR roles. There is a fine balance
between man and machine, and while these technologies will increase efficiency, decrease bias and
improvethe value of HR in businesses, the humantouch will always be the key to success.
Originality/value This paper assesses not onlyhow technology is impacting HR but also the interplay
between man and machine, and it offers insights into how HR professionals can balance the need for
digital transformationwith the core human element of human resources. As such, it tiesthe human and
the technologytogether inextricably, concludingthat AI and humans work better together.
Keywords Human resource management, Employee engagement
Paper type Viewpoint
In a world of mass technological advancement in our daily lives and in business, the HR
function is facing an uphill battle. How can HR professionals ensure they are digitally
transforming at the right pace for their business without losing the all-important human
touch?
This paper outlines the thinking behind integrating AI and automation technolog ies into HR,
and it explores in depth each of the key ways in which we are beginning to see th ese
technologies change HR as we know it. From operations to recruitment and interviewing, to
on-boarding employees and maintaining performance, the opportunities are numerous and
they are right on the horizon.
AI and automation are already being integrated into HR in many organizations around the world.
However, we can in the near future expect to see technology not only automating back-
office functions, but increasingly takingon the more “human” elements of HR roles. There is
a fine balance between man and machine, and while these technologies will increase
efficiency, decrease bias and improve the value of HR in businesses, the human touch will
always be the key to success.
This paper assesses not only how technology is impacting HR but also the interplay
between man and machine, and it offers insightsinto how HR professionals can balance the
need for digital transformationwith the core human element of human resources. As such, it
John Gikopoulos is Global
Head of AI and Automation
at Infosys Consulting,
London, UK.
PAGE 56 jSTRATEGIC HR REVIEW jVOL. 18 NO. 2 2019, pp. 56-61, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1475-4398 DOI 10.1108/SHR-12-2018-0103

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