Exploring the Impact and Potential of Generative AI in HR: Insights from Irresistible 2023 Conference

In a recent global conference for HR leaders called Irresistible 2023, Josh Bersin, CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, along with Tracey Franklin, CHRO at Moderna, and Michael Fraccaro, chief people officer at Mastercard, discussed the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the HR field. They addressed concerns about job replacement and highlighted the ways in which AI tools can benefit HR professionals.

Bersin emphasized that AI tools used in HR technology have already proven to be game changers. They have facilitated faster skill identification, improved recruitment and training processes, and enhanced talent mobility efforts. However, Bersin acknowledged that many C-suite executives might view generative AI as an opportunity to downsize their workforce. He noted that companies often consider eliminating jobs when new technologies emerge.

While most HR executives have already implemented AI tools in various areas, generative AI brings a new dimension of capabilities to the workplace. It empowers employees to create and innovate by generating images, documents, graphs, emails, videos, and product designs. Bersin stated that these tools can supercharge individual workers in virtually every job.

However, analysts and IT experts have observed that generative AI could disrupt the workforce, which is still adapting to changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as remote and hybrid work. While generative AI will create new jobs, it will also result in job losses. Reports from Goldman Sachs and researchers at Open AI, Open Research, and the University of Pennsylvania indicate that millions of jobs globally could be eliminated, repurposed, or redefined due to generative AI.

Bersin acknowledged that companies will still need human beings to accomplish work tasks even with AI advancements. Once companies have customers relying on AI, they require people to train and monitor the technology to ensure it provides accurate responses. Fraccaro from Mastercard mentioned that while they haven’t deployed generative AI tools yet, they are exploring possibilities. Clear guidelines have been established for employees, allowing them to experiment with the tools but with certain limitations.

Fraccaro emphasized that humans need to verify generative AI system responses, whether it’s recruiters, hiring managers, or other responsible parties. Mastercard currently uses AI tools for fraud detection, candidate screening, bias elimination, scheduling job interviews, and internal talent marketplace matching. Fraccaro stressed the importance of AI governance in ensuring trust, data privacy, security, and data ownership.

The panel also discussed how organizations and HR executives will change as generative AI enables employees to access knowledge faster, empowering them to make quicker and more informed decisions. Franklin mentioned that HR executives will play a critical role in shaping the organization’s ecosystem, from organization and governance to interactions, to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

In summary, the discussion at the Irresistible 2023 conference highlighted the potential of generative AI in HR, addressing concerns, emphasizing the benefits, and recognizing the need for responsible implementation and governance.