'Retaining the human element within the human resources will be a key step to maximising the potential of these technologies'
A majority of HR leaders (61%) in Australia said they will be investing more in artificial intelligence, according to a new report.
Why? Maybe because 86% agree that AI, in conjunction with Big Data, is enhancing talent attraction, engagement, and retention across organisations, according to Randstad Enterprise's latest Talent Trends report.
And a majority of organisations in Australia are already using AI to help find gaps in their workforce (86%) and identify opportunities for talent mobility (88%).
Other aspects where AI is being used include identifying high-potential employees for promotion and leadership opportunities (35%), as well as looking for employees with specific skills (20%), found Randstad.
The report also found that the top ways AI tech is being used by HR leaders include:
"Our research shows we are firmly in an age when artificial and human intelligence can together achieve an optimised workforce unlike any before it," said David Owens, founder and managing director of HR Partners by Randstad, in a statement.
Despite the widespread adoption and perceived benefits of AI, 69% of HR leaders are concerned that they cannot keep up with the rapid digital transformation of workplaces. They are also concerned on over-reliance on automation (37%) and employees sharing propriety information with external AI tools (37%), according to the report.
One in five HR leaders are also worried that AI is amplifying biases, or that the technology is being used irresponsibly, unfairly, or unethically.
"While HR leaders must continue to urgently adopt innovative strategies to ensure agility in a rapidly transforming global employment market - particularly as the skills gap continues to widen - the question is how can they do it feasibly and ethically," Owens said.
"Retaining the human element within the human resources will be a key step to maximising the potential of these technologies."
Last year, the Diversity Council of Australia released a set of guidelines to help employers in selecting and deploying the right AI tools in order to reduce bias during the recruitment process.
