AI in the workplace: empowering HR with intelligence, not replacing it
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept—it’s actively reshaping how we work, especially in the HR space. Lauren Buxbaum, an organizational psychologist and AI expert at Agility Advisors, recently shared her insights in a Frazer Jones discussion, highlighting how AI is transforming HR functions while emphasizing the importance of ethical and thoughtful implementation.
AI as a partner, not a replacement
One of the most powerful takeaways from Buxbaum’s talk is the idea that AI should be treated like an intern, not a manager. “The leader has to read it,” she stresses. AI can draft communications, policies, or interview questions, but it’s the human leader’s responsibility to review, validate, and even question the AI’s choices. This ensures accountability and maintains the human touch in decision-making.
To support compliance and legal standards, Buxbaum suggests a simple yet effective solution: a checkbox confirming that the content has been reviewed and approved by a human. This reinforces the idea that AI is a tool to augment human work—not to replace it.
Practical applications in HR
AI is already delivering value across the HR spectrum. From automating interview scheduling to enhancing behavioral competency interviews, AI is saving time and improving consistency. Tools can now suggest interview questions, evaluate responses, and even score them – all in minutes. What once took hours of manual effort can now be done with a few clicks.
Another exciting development is the use of few-shot prompting. By giving AI more context – such as your role, audience, tone, and examples—you can generate more accurate and relevant outputs. This technique transforms AI from a basic assistant into a collaborative partner.
Ethical use and bias awareness
Buxbaum also highlights the ethical implications of AI in HR. Many AI models are trained on vast, biased datasets. This can lead to skewed outputs, especially in sensitive areas like performance reviews or hiring. The solution? Engage in a dialogue with the AI. Ask it why it made certain choices, challenge its assumptions, and prompt it to identify potential biases. AI can even help detect bias in feedback and documentation, making it a valuable ally in promoting fairness.
The future: multimedia AI and cultural intelligence
Looking ahead, Buxbaum sees a future where multimedia AI—combining text, image, and video -becomes a standard tool in HR. Her team has already used AI to create branded video content for LinkedIn, something that would have taken weeks with a production team. While the quality may not be cinematic, it’s “good enough” to communicate effectively and efficiently.
AI is also becoming more culturally aware. It can adapt tone and language based on regional norms, helping global companies tailor employee handbooks or communications to local cultures. Whether a culture leads from the front or values collectivism, AI can adjust messaging accordingly saving hours of manual rewriting.
Final thoughts
As Buxbaum reflects, “AI is augmenting, not replacing.” Just as Excel didn’t eliminate financial analysts but made them more productive, AI in HR is about elevating human potential. The pace of change is rapid, and while we can’t predict exactly where we’re headed, one thing is clear: the future of HR is human-led and AI-empowered.
How Frazer Jones can help you source great HR talent
The HR tech and analytics landscape in the U.S. is dynamic and full of opportunity. As organizations continue to invest in digital transformation, the demand for skilled professionals who can harness the power of data will only grow. By focusing on both technical and soft skills, and fostering a culture that values data-driven decision-making, companies can unlock the full potential of their workforce.
If you’re looking to hire a HR expert for your business, please submit a brief and a member of our team will be in touch. Alternatively, if you’re a HRIS professional ready to take the next step in your career, contact one of our consultants today to explore new opportunities.
