HR professionals show strong support for AI integration in talent acquisition processes, highlighting concerns over bias in AI systems. Experts stress the need for human intervention to mitigate discrimination and emphasise strategic collaboration between HR and AI to address bias issues.
AI’s Growing Role in HR and the Associated Bias Concerns
Research conducted by HR Technologies UK reveals that 93% of HR professionals believe technology plays a crucial role in addressing their challenges. A survey of 1,000 HR professionals showed that 80% support AI integration in talent acquisition processes, despite acknowledging that it can perpetuate biases.
Nicki Morris, Group Exhibition Director at HR Technologies UK, emphasized that biased historical data used to train AI can amplify discrimination, making human intervention essential to reduce bias in hiring. Idris Arshad from St Christopher’s Hospice highlighted legal, ethical, and moral concerns, asserting that bias in AI is inevitable and requires careful governance by HR.
Dan Lucy from the Institute for Employment Studies pointed out that AI could reinforce existing biases and de-personalize decisions if human judgment is absent. He stressed the importance of HR professionals working alongside AI, focusing on strategic and human aspects while mitigating bias.
The survey indicated that HR professionals see AI playing a significant role in employee retention (39%), managing hybrid working (36%), and ensuring staff wellbeing (36%). Additionally, 36% identified staff training and upskilling as a top challenge, with 26% believing AI would be crucial for onboarding and training.
Arshad noted that AI integration levels would depend on digital competence and confidence. Lucy agreed that AI could impact all facets of HR but advised selective use of technology, urging HR professionals to become informed customers of AI. Businesses reportedly spent an average of £340,257 on HR technologies in the last financial year.
