The rise of AI in HR sparks a crucial question: will it make us more efficient—or less human?
AI is everywhere in HR today. From bots scanning resumes to predictive analytics flagging attrition risks, the numbers are staggering. Deloitte’s 2024 survey shows 83% of organizations already use AI in their people processes. Gartner predicts that by 2025, over 70% of HR leaders plan to increase their investments in AI.
The Efficiency Story
- Unilever uses AI-driven video interviews, reducing hiring time by 75% and widening diversity in candidate pools.
- IBM’s Watson predicts attrition with 95% accuracy, giving managers a head start in retaining talent.
Clearly, AI offers speed, scale, and sharper insights.
Here’s the Risk
AI cannot replace judgment, empathy, or context. A chatbot can’t sense when a candidate is simply nervous, nor can algorithms decode values alignment. PwC found 62% of employees worry AI will make work less personal. That’s a warning sign.
Blending Tech and Touch
The best companies know this. PepsiCo automates initial screening but ensures recruiters still connect with the humans behind resumes. Accenture actively trains HR teams to combine “AI + EQ”—data-led insights with human conversations.
The Leadership Imperative
AI will not dehumanize HR by itself. Leaders will. Or they won’t.
It’s up to leadership to set the tone: Will AI be used to cut corners, or to free HR professionals for what truly matters—listening, coaching, building trust and culture?
Call for Action, Leaders
- Redefine roles: Use AI to automate admin tasks, so HR can focus on strategy and people.
- Invest in “EQ at scale”: Train managers to interpret AI insights with empathy, not just efficiency.
- Safeguard culture: Build guardrails to ensure AI strengthens, not weakens, organizational values.
How Neev Helps
At Neev, we work with leaders to build clarity and confidence needed in the age of AI powered workplaces. Our leadership development interventions sharpen their decision-making and help them gain clarity that balance technology with empathy.
Technology doesn’t decide culture. Leaders do.