HR's rapid AI adoption outpacing policy development: report

Policies surrounding the use of artificial intelligence appear to be falling behind the growing use of the emerging technology among HR professionals, according to a new survey.

It found that 94% of 500 HR professionals in the United States are using some form of AI in their operations.

However, only 60% of the respondents said they have an AI Acceptable Use Policy, which provides organisations with a framework for the ethical and responsible deployment of AI, found Traliant.

Source: Traliant

The lack of policy comes despite 50% of the respondents saying that HR is the "primary party responsible" for the development of AI policies and acceptable use communication.

"While AI brings vast opportunities for driving organisational success and fostering talent growth, it must be accompanied by clear acceptable use policies and guidelines to safely mitigate risk," said Michael Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer at Traliant, in a statement.

Lack of AI policy communication

But the concerns aren't limited to the prevalence of AI Acceptable Use Policy, as the report further found that 31% have not yet shared any guidelines with employees about the proper use of the technology at work.

Another 21% added that their employees have not received any training, either virtual or in-person, on acceptable AI use.

"To successfully navigate this AI era, HR professionals need to set clear expectations when it comes to managing AI and how employees can use these tools wisely," Johnson said.

In order to make the most of AI and remain one step ahead of the technology, the report suggested the following steps:

• Establish clear AI acceptable use policies 
• Provide training to employees regularly on acceptable AI use 
• Conduct AI inventories 
• Implement transparency policies 
• Ensure that mechanisms are in place for employees to report misuse