The future of work is more personal than ever before. Employers are adopting diverse processes and policies to meet the needs of modern workstyles. At the same time, increasing adoption of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) allow businesses to tailor the work experience, increase team productivity and create new ways to collaborate. But while technology is an essential partner in this journey, it’s only as effective as the culture and strategies it’s embedded in. 

Enabling workplace transformation 

Almost 40% of global employment is exposed to AI), rising to 60% in advanced economies. In the past couple of years adoption has accelerated, reshaping how we work and forcing us to re-evaluate job roles and rethink how some tasks are carried out. Microsoft’s recent launch of Copilot Studio exemplifies this seismic shift, enabling businesses to introduce AI “coworkers” capable of handling tasks traditionally performed by humans, such as qualifying sales leads, drafting reports and managing client interactions. 

As AI colleagues like these gain more responsibilities, businesses need to carefully consider how they introduce them to human staff, and be prepared to answer various questions. Because while these AI tools promise enhanced productivity and operational efficiency, they also pose questions about collaboration and coexistence. How do we ensure AI complements rather than competes with human talent? 

HR leaders need to address this carefully. AI should not be viewed as a replacement for human workers but as a tool to empower them to get more out of their workday. These technologies excel at automating repetitive tasks, analysing vast datasets, and providing insights that free employees to focus on higher-value, creative, and strategic work. But to leverage this potential, organisations must cultivate an environment where humans and AI can collaborate seamlessly.

Rethinking people management

Building a people-first business in the age of AI isn’t just about deploying cutting-edge technology. It’s about fuelling a fundamental shift in how businesses think about people management. Business leaders, particularly in HR, play a critical role in this transformation. They need to optimise the value of their AI investment, while also nurturing a culture where employees feel supported, valued and equipped to thrive alongside the technology. This is crucial, especially during the initial phase of AI introduction, to ensure employee buy-in and effectively address any questions and concerns that might arise from it. 

Central to this strategy is to empower employees through training and reskilling. As AI becomes integral to more job functions, employees need the skills to work with it effectively and understand where, and how, it can add the most value to their roles. This is not just about technical training, but also fostering a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning and unlearning, where AI is seen as an enabler, not a disruptor. By investing in upskilling initiatives, organisations can ensure everyone in the workforce feels confident in the new environment and empowered by the technologies they work with. 

Changing for the better

Rethinking and redesigning job roles to leverage human strengths is another consideration. While AI excels at speed and precision in repetitive tasks, human employees bring in the creativity, empathy and critical thinking that help bring projects to life and ensure they are aligned with the business’s strategy and values. By redefining job roles so that human qualities complement the efficiency of AI, businesses can find the right balance between AI-driven efficiency and human insight. 

Fostering a culture of transparency is also key to building trust and alleviating concerns staff may have about AI. Businesses need to set clear policies to outline the role of AI in the workplace, including its limitations, so it’s clear to employees how it can support their role and where its use is encouraged. 

All this needs to be framed within the context of employee wellbeing. With AI, the focus is often on increasing efficiency and productivity, but they can’t come at the cost of employee satisfaction. Ensuring flexible work arrangements, mental health resources, and recognition programmes are in place can help foster a resilient and motivated workforce during the critical introduction phase of new AI technologies.  

This is particularly important with remote and hybrid workplaces. How can you ensure that there is an element of fairness in the company’s approach to AI and ensure everyone, in the office or working remotely, has access to the same employee experience with, or without, AI? 

Building a people-centric strategy

As businesses across the globe struggle with talent shortages, with 75% of employers reporting difficulty in filling roles, adopting a people-first strategy can be a competitive advantage, helping attract and retain talent. And AI can be integral to this.  

Organisations can use AI to personalise employee experiences across all job roles and levels of seniority. For instance, tools that analyse data on work patterns and preferences can offer tailored recommendations, from professional development opportunities to task management strategies to make work more rewarding and enjoyable. 

Leadership must show their support for these strategies and lead by example, demonstrating openness to innovation and new technologies. This helps ensure employees can feel inspired by the access to technology while also grounded in a supportive culture that understands their concerns and is ready to address potential challenges. 

Ultimately, leveraging AI to build a better employee experience can benefit everyone, from individual employees to management. Research consistently shows that organisations with engaged, satisfied employees outperform their peers. In the age of AI, this means creating an environment where people feel empowered to collaborate with technology in meaningful ways.

Harnessing the opportunities

The widespread introduction of AI and GenAI presents great opportunities for businesses to rethink how they operate and build value. As AI continues to redefine the workplace, the businesses that thrive will be those that can see its role in enhancing human potential and are ready to create roles that amplify human strengths and build environments where every employee feels valued and supported. 

By investing in the tools, training, and cultural shifts needed to empower employees in this AI-driven world, employers can create workplaces that are not only more productive but also more innovative, inclusive, and fulfilling.

Humanising digital business transformation starts with the employee experience. HR leaders will play a pivotal role in this transformation, guiding businesses to maximise their AI investments while prioritising the human element.

The future of work may be powered by AI. But its success will, now and always, be defined by the people behind it.