AI adoption in the workplace often comes with scepticism. According to our research, 20% of respondents are concerned about ethical risks, particularly biases in AI-driven decision-making. This raises an important question: How can AI enhance the human touch in the workplace rather than replace it?
To dig deeper into this, we sat down with Harry Wright, Hive HR’s Product Manager and an expert in building AI-powered solutions that actually help people, not replace them. With a passion for blending technology and human-centric Human resources, Harry has been at the forefront of ensuring AI is a tool for empowerment rather than automation overload. Here’s his take on how HR professionals can leverage AI to build more human-centered workplaces.
How can AI help HR professionals adopt a more human-centered approach, even as a tech-driven tool?
“AI is a powerful tool—but it’s not a substitute for the human element in HR. Emotional intelligence and a people-first perspective remain at the heart of effective HR functions. Rather than replacing these qualities, AI can amplify them by automating repetitive tasks and providing data-driven insights.
By freeing HR professionals from time-consuming processes, AI enables them to focus on what matters most: nurturing relationships, building a positive company culture, and supporting employees in impactful ways.
The true value of AI lies in its ability to create the space for HR teams to become more strategic and people-centred.
Striking the right balance is essential. Think of AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement. It can streamline workflows and assist in decision-making, but the empathy and intuition that humans bring are irreplaceable.
By integrating AI’s efficiency with human understanding, HR professionals can ensure that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the personal aspects of their work.”
4 tips for HR leaders adopting AI tools
When incorporating AI into HR processes, thoughtful planning and ethical considerations are critical. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Define clear goals
Before adopting AI, identify the specific challenges you want to address and the outcomes you aim to achieve. Choose tools that align with these objectives rather than adopting AI just to stay on-trend.
2. Gain hands-on experience
Familiarise yourself with AI by experimenting with tools in both professional and personal contexts (e.g., using a chatbot to plan a trip). This hands-on approach builds a deeper understanding of AI’s potential and its limitations, ensuring effective and informed use.
3. Address ethical concerns
Pay close attention to privacy, data security, and bias in AI systems. AI learns from human-created data, which means it can inadvertently reflect human biases. Choose tools developed with responsible AI practices and continually monitor their impact.
4. Keep people at the centre
AI should enhance human decision-making, not replace it. Ensure that any AI-driven decisions align with your organisation’s values and prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
Final thoughts
While scepticism around AI in the workplace is understandable, the key to successful adoption lies in using AI as a support system rather than a replacement for human interaction. As Harry Wright highlights, AI has the potential to create space for HR teams to be more strategic, freeing them up to focus on what truly matters—people.
By setting clear goals, gaining hands-on experience, addressing ethical concerns, and keeping employees at the heart of AI-driven decisions, HR professionals can use technology to enhance, rather than replace, the human touch.
AI is here to stay, but how we use it is in our hands. Thoughtful integration ensures that AI supports HR in making workplaces more engaging, inclusive, and people-centred.
