AI Skills for HR: Building Your Future Skillset with a Human-Centered Approach 

We’re in the midst of an overwhelming AI hype-cycle. AI is suddenly here, there, and everywhere in HRIS, but is it helping? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed – or like maybe you lack the right AI skills for HR in the new age of work. But don’t panic. As human resources professionals, you’ve got this. You can cut through the hype by asking tough, practical questions: How can AI make work easier? How can AI make work better?

It’s not enough anymore to marvel at the (admittedly astonishing) new technology. HR leaders need to know how their tools are actually using AI to drive meaningful impact, from improving processes to fostering stronger human connections in the workplace. 

Because in fact, AI is reshaping HR in some real, tangible ways, and many HR professionals are going to need to ensure their own skills keep up. It’s a topic Workhuman Live has been meeting head-on for a few years now – for example in last year’s Workhuman Live/Spotlight Panel on AI and the Role of Humanity in HR where AI and HR professionals Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, KeyAnna Schmiedl, Chief Human Resource Officer at Workhuman, and Andrew McAfee Principal Research Scientist, MIT explored the broad-sweeping implications of AI in the workplace.

In fact, not to brag too much, but our conference stands apart in offering pragmatic, actionable insights that help build skills and empower HR to champion the human at work in this new age of AI.

So, what’s it all about, what should you be thinking about, and how exactly could a trip to Workhuman Live help you out? Read on.

Why AI skills are essential for human resources professionals today

The conversation around AI in HR has been loud and relentless, with promises of transformation dominating headlines. As AI tools become increasingly embedded in the workplace, many HR leaders are feeling a shift – from initial curiosity to fatigue with the endless hype. It’s frustrating to see AI everywhere, but still lack clarity about AI’s real-world applications and its impact on making work better. For HR teams, the focus must move beyond theoretical possibilities to practical, measurable outcomes.

Moving beyond AI hype: How AI can also focus on impact

HR professionals are under immense pressure to address some of today’s most pressing challenges:

• Talent shortages: Finding the right candidates in a competitive market
• Inclusion gaps: Building diverse, equitable workplaces
• Workforce agility: Preparing employees to adapt to rapidly evolving roles and expectations

AI has the potential to tackle these challenges head-on – but only if HR professionals look beyond flashy AI buzzwords to measurable outcomes and develop the skills to use it effectively. For example, predictive analytics can help identify high-potential candidates from nontraditional backgrounds, while AI-powered engagement tools can pinpoint areas of burnout before they escalate.

Leading the charge with practical applications to help HR

HR teams are uniquely positioned to shape how AI is implemented across organizations, ensuring it serves both business goals and employees’ needs. By gaining the right AI skills, HR leaders can align AI tools with broader human resources strategies, creating a future where technology supports – not supplants – the human touch.

What are the key AI and soft skills HR leaders need?

As artificial intelligence becomes a cornerstone of modern HR, success depends on HR leaders’ ability to blend technical expertise with human-centric skills. Below are 10 essential AI and soft skills HR professionals need to lead their organizations into the future.

1. Data literacy

HR leaders must be able to interpret, analyze, and use data to make informed decisions. AI tools often rely on large datasets, and understanding metrics like employee turnover rates, engagement scores, and performance trends ensures that HR professionals can maximize AI’s value.
Example: Using predictive analytics to identify employees at risk of burnout or attrition.

 2. Understanding the use of AI tools and applications

Knowing how to evaluate and implement AI across HR functions is critical. HR leaders need to assess which AI technologies — such as chatbots for recruitment or AI-powered engagement surveys— fit their organization’s needs.
Example: Choosing an AI-powered tool that streamlines onboarding or improves talent acquisition.

3. Ethical oversight of generative AI

With AI comes the responsibility to prevent unintended consequences, such as bias in algorithms. HR leaders must ensure that AI applications are fair, transparent, and compliant with ethical and legal standards. 

4. Strategic thinking

AI isn’t just about automation — it’s a strategic enabler. HR leaders should understand how AI can align with and amplify broader business goals, from workforce planning to fostering innovation. 

5. Emotional intelligence and empathy

While AI can handle many tasks, human oversight ensures it serves people’s needs. HR leaders must apply empathy to interpret AI-driven insights and make decisions that prioritize employee well being. 

 6. Adaptability and change management – closing skill gaps

AI adoption often disrupts traditional workflows. HR leaders need to lead change management initiatives, ensuring employees understand and embrace AI technologies. 

7. Critical thinking and problem-solving

AI outputs require interpretation. HR leaders must critically assess AI-generated insights and ensure they align with organizational values and goals. 

8. Collaboration with technical teams

HR professionals don’t need to be coders, but they should effectively collaborate with data scientists and IT teams to deploy AI. This ensures AI systems are designed and implemented with HR-specific goals in mind. 

9. Workforce analytics expertise

AI thrives on data. HR leaders need to understand workforce analytics to extract actionable insights from AI-driven reports. This includes tracking trends in hiring, retention, and engagement. 

 10. Leverage AI communication and advocacy

HR leaders must articulate the value of AI to employees and executives, addressing concerns about automation while highlighting its potential benefits. This skill ensures buy-in and successful implementation.

Integrating AI and transforming HR processes

Artificial intelligence is reshaping HR by automating routine tasks, providing deep insights, and enhancing decision-making. Here’s a look at how AI is streamlining HR processes today:

Recruitment and onboarding

AI tools are revolutionizing recruitment by automating tasks like resume screening, scheduling interviews, and even conducting initial candidate assessments. AI also tailors onboarding experiences to individual needs, helping new hires acclimate faster. Example: An AI-powered system that analyzes resumes for specific skills, ensuring no qualified candidate is overlooked.

Employee engagement and retention

AI systems analyze engagement surveys and employee feedback, identifying areas for improvement. Predictive analytics can even flag employees at risk of leaving, enabling HR teams to intervene proactively. Example: AI analyzing survey data to pinpoint departments experiencing low morale, allowing HR to design targeted engagement initiatives.

Performance management

With AI, performance evaluations are becoming more data-driven and objective. AI tools track key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide managers with actionable insights to improve employee performance. Example: AI identifying trends in missed deadlines to highlight potential training needs for a specific team.

Ethical considerations for AI and the future of HR

While AI offers immense potential, its implementation must be guided by a commitment to ethics. HR leaders are responsible for ensuring AI tools align with organizational values and avoid harm.

• Preventing bias in AI algorithms

AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they’re trained on. HR professionals must regularly audit AI tools to identify and mitigate biases in recruitment, promotions, and other processes.
Example: Reviewing an AI-powered hiring tool to ensure diverse candidates are represented equally.

• Ensuring transparency

HR leaders must prioritize transparency when implementing AI. Employees should understand how AI tools impact decisions that affect their careers.
Example: Clearly communicating how AI is used in performance reviews to build trust among employees.

• Balancing automation with humanity

AI should augment human capabilities, not replace them. HR leaders must find the right balance between automation and preserving meaningful human interaction.
Example: Using AI for engagement data analysis while relying on managers to foster personal connections.

Best practices for ethical AI use

• Regular audits: Continuously evaluate AI systems for fairness and accuracy.
• Inclusive design: Involve diverse teams in the development and implementation of AI tools.
• Clear communication: Ensure employees understand how AI benefits them and the organization.

Ethical implementation of AI ensures that technology supports — not undermines — HR’s mission to create equitable, inclusive workplaces. At Workhuman Live, HR leaders can explore frameworks and tools for responsible AI adoption, ensuring they stay ahead in the evolving world of work.

Practical ways of evaluating AI tools for HR

Choosing the right AI tools can feel overwhelming given the sheer variety of options available. For HR leaders, the key lies in aligning technology with specific organizational goals and employee needs. Here’s how to evaluate AI tools effectively:

Align AI tools with HR goals

Before exploring tools, identify your organization’s HR priorities. Are you focused on improving recruitment efficiency, enhancing employee engagement, or streamlining compliance? Clarifying these objectives helps narrow down options. Example: If retention is a priority, consider an AI tool that provides predictive analytics on employee satisfaction and turnover risks.

Assess usability and integration

AI tools should be intuitive for HR teams to use and integrate seamlessly with existing systems. A complicated or disconnected tool may create more frustration than value.
Checklist:

• Does the tool integrate with your HRIS?
• Is the interface user-friendly?
• What training and support are provided?

Prioritize ethical and transparent AI

Transparency in AI operations is essential. Choose tools that clearly explain how data is analyzed and decisions are made. Example: An AI-powered recruiting tool should allow HR teams to understand how it ranks candidates and ensure compliance with DEI goals.

At Workhuman Live, attendees can explore frameworks and best practices for assessing AI tools. Expert-led workshops and panels guide HR professionals through the process of selecting, deploying, and maximizing the impact of AI technologies.

Building a human-centered AI strategy for your organization

Adopting AI in HR is most effective when it enhances the employee experience and aligns with organizational culture. A human-centered AI strategy begins with empathy, focusing on solving real employee challenges, like streamlining communication through AI-powered chatbots or using analytics to identify burnout risks. It emphasizes collaboration, where AI tools augment rather than replace human creativity and decision-making, such as providing data insights that HR leaders can translate into actionable engagement initiatives. 

Transparent communication is key here. Employees need to understand how AI benefits them and aligns with their values, fostering trust and confidence in new technologies. At Workhuman Live, HR professionals will gain actionable strategies to implement AI in ways that amplify the human element and prioritize workplace well-being.

Attending Workhuman Live to build pragmatic new skills for AI

For HR professionals seeking actionable AI insights and hands-on learning opportunities, Workhuman Live is mission-critical. That’s because our conference always gets beyond the hype, providing practical guidance and real-world applications of AI in HR. Here’s why it’s the ideal space to build your AI skillset:

1. Speakers you need to see

Workhuman Live features a stellar lineup of speakers offering insights into the intersection of AI and humanity. Here are just a few of the speakers already in our lineup who will be tackling the important questions on AI.

• Eric Mosley: Explore “Human Intelligence” and learn how AI can amplify the human element at work.
• Trevor Noah: Gain a fresh perspective on how AI addresses global challenges, from public safety to education, in a session infused with humor and insight.
• Noelle Russell: Discover how AI fosters inclusion and augments human ingenuity in business, with actionable tips for leveraging technology responsibly.
• Ravin Jesuthasan: Learn about skills-powered organizations and how AI can redefine work, improve agility, and boost productivity.

2. Hands-on learning opportunities

The conference offers workshops and panels designed to equip HR leaders with the skills to evaluate, adopt, and implement AI tools effectively. Attendees can gain:

• Checklists for evaluating AI projects
• Best practices for integrating AI into HR workflows
• Guidance on ethical AI adoption and avoiding biases

3. Peer collaboration and networking

Workhuman Live fosters a unique environment where HR leaders, technologists, and thought leaders can collaborate, exchange ideas, and build connections. The shared goal? Using AI to make work better — not just easier. By engaging in the conversation at Workhuman Live, HR professionals can move beyond the noise of AI hype to develop pragmatic, human-centered skills that drive real impact.

TL;DR: Key takeaways 

• AI Fatigue is real, but the opportunity is greater: By focusing on practical applications, HR professionals can use AI to tackle real challenges like talent shortages, workforce agility, and employee engagement.
• Essential aI skills are a must: Data literacy, ethical oversight, strategic thinking, and adaptability are critical for leveraging AI effectively.
• Human-centered AI matters: Technology should enhance human interaction and well being, not replace it. Keeping humanity at the core of AI adoption is key to long-term success.

Join us at Workhuman Live

Ready to cut through the AI hype and unlock its potential to make work both easier and better? At Workhuman Live, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to lead your organization into the future with AI strategies that work.

• Hear from world-class speakers like Eric Mosley, Trevor Noah, Noelle Russell, and Ravin Jesuthasan who are redefining the role of AI in HR.
• Participate in hands-on workshops and expert panels that teach you how to evaluate, adopt, and implement AI tools responsibly.
• Connect with a global community of HR leaders committed to building more inclusive, innovative, and human-centered workplaces.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the discussion shaping the future of HR. Register for Workhuman Live today and let’s continue this important conversation.

About Darcy Jacobsen

Darcy is a passionate storyteller and champion of workforce transformation, human connection, and recognition-driven culture. As an author on the Workhuman Live Blog, she loves to connect deep research insights with modern workplace dynamics to uncover what really drives engagement, belonging, and happiness at work. With a background in communications and a master’s in medieval history, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, taking deep dives into all topics around organizational psychology and the science of gratitude.