The recent media interest about artificial intelligence (AI) has been inescapable. Contrary to popular belief, AI is not just about machine robotics and drones. Instead, it refers to the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. But how might this type of technology help HR professionals?
One area where AI can greatly help HR professionals is in enabling them to make faster and smarter decisions in adhering to HR rules and policies. Often critical HR decisions require not only an understanding of local employment laws, regulations and company policies, but also the expert interpretation of those laws and previous court rulings.
Now intelligent technologies exist that allow algorithms to be created that model all of these rules and the expert’s judgement into software that is then deployed through user-friendly smart advisors or apps. In the hands of the HR professional, smart apps can run individual case scenarios and make accurate and timely decisions that take into account all of the complexity and knowledge without having to call in the services of a lawyer or expert.
Managing global complexity
As companies become ever more global, HR professionals must manage all the various workforces working in different ways and subject to different rules and regulations in their local markets. Until recently that level of complexity was beyond the remit of an individual professional and even a HR department, which would have to consult experts in each market and in each area of policy. Now smart technologies enable HR to tackle this wherever they are, at head office or in local offices.
One of the biggest trends in the today’s workplace is the rise of flexible working. Workers may be hired on a short-term contract or part-time as well as in traditional full-time employment. The employment status of an individual affects the legal responsibilities of the organisation to those individuals and the rights and responsibilities of those individuals. In the UK, for example, the employment status of an individual may affect whether or not he or she can be automatically enrolled into a pension scheme, while in the US, employment status affects employees’ entitlement to healthcare insurance.
A crucial first step in addressing these questions is establishing the correct legal classification of an individual’s employment status. Global employment law firm Littler Mendelson has partnered with Neota Logic to create ComplianceHR, a software-as-a-service platform that allows organisations to answer the question of employment status, taking all of the complex regulations and policies and assisting HR professionals in managing extended workforces, benefits entitlements, and many other employment policy issues.
Dynamic updates in the cloud
A benefit of these cloud-based solutions is that they may be built rapidly and tailored by HR to their organisation’s needs. Indeed, the content can update dynamically, responding to changing legislation and adapting logic within the software to reflect the latest rulings.
The advent of such smart technologies can bring the cost advantages of self-service, help companies reduce regulatory risk and exposure to fines, and manage costs such as not offering benefits where workers are not eligible for them.
Here are some tips for HR professionals on how to get started:
- High frequency, routine aspects of HR practice are prime candidates for AI automation.
- Conversely it may also make sense to apply AI automation to vital ‘top of the tree’ questions, such as establishing employment status. Get this right and it will have a positive knock-on effect on the right to for example, overtime payments or eligibility for company pension.
- AI is sophisticated – don’t be afraid to apply it to multi-jurisdictional, international activities, as this is where it can provide greatest value.
- Free the HR department to focus on higher value work by rolling out self-service AI to the organisation, enabling managers to carry out tasks such as on-boarding checks and employment offer letter generation.
- Align the use of Ai with the appetite for technology in your organisation. A technology-focused business will be far more receptive to advanced AI than a more traditional organisation.
AI can power and improve the HR function, going beyond automating routine tasks to tackling complexity. Smart organisations are embracing the technology. Trusting AI systems to work effectively is a challenge; HR professionals may baulk at replacing their legal expert with a machine and may have concerns that their function will be next to be automated. However automating some tasks will free up HR to address more complex issues with less resource and add greater value to the business.
Richard Seabrook is Managing Director Europe at Neota Logic. He works in artificial intelligence software where he acts to transform the way commercial businesses and individuals access the advice and expertise of professionals.
