A recent global survey conducted by Sage has highlighted a growing acceptance among HR professionals towards artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to alleviate administrative burdens, streamline time-consuming tasks, and reduce burnout.
The “Changing Face of HR” report, which polled over 1,000 HR leaders from various sectors and countries, found that a significant 77% of respondents see AI as a transformative force for their working methods. This insight comes against the backdrop of 95% of those surveyed reporting increased workloads over the past year, and 91% acknowledging an expansion in their responsibilities.
The study identifies the primary challenges facing HR professionals today, including the sheer volume of work (80%), employee burnout and low morale (79%), and constrained budgets (79%). It suggests a considerable shift towards automation and analytics within HR, with 45% of HR leaders already using HR metrics, 44% applying automation, and 43% adopting cloud HR solutions.
Furthermore, the report points out a critical need for more technology, as expressed by 56% of HR leaders, to effectively collect, analyze, and deliver actionable insights. A substantial 79% of respondents highlighted the importance of training to leverage AI’s full potential in enhancing HR functions.
Looking ahead, HR professionals are eager to focus more on strategic planning (61%), data-driven decision-making (59%), and employee engagement (59%), signaling a strategic move from administrative tasks to more value-added activities. Despite 68% of respondents indicating that over half of their HR processes are automated, there’s a consensus that further automation could boost efficiency. The survey also unveils a discrepancy in automation levels between small (57%) and medium-sized businesses (80%), suggesting smaller firms could gain by investing in HR technology.
Amanda Cusdin, Chief People Officer at Sage, reflects on the findings, stating, “HR professionals are under immense pressure to perform amidst growing tasks and responsibilities. Embracing technology and AI not only alleviates some of this strain but allows HR personnel to redirect their focus towards more fulfilling aspects of their job, enhancing job satisfaction.”
Ben Brooks, Founder and CEO of Pilot, emphasized the strategic importance of HR analytics, comparing it to the metrics-driven approaches of finance, sales, and other departments. He advocates for the use of technology in HR to “collect, analyze, and report meaningful data-driven insights,” which he regards as a “superpower” for the field.
In conclusion, the Sage report paints an optimistic future for HR, where technology and AI play pivotal roles in reshaping the profession, promising not just greater efficiency but also a deeper focus on strategic and people-oriented tasks.