As the workload for Human Resources (HR) professionals surges amid the pandemic, a new report suggests that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could offer respite from burnout while enhancing efficiency.

Sage’s global report, ‘The Changing Face of HR‘, based on input from over 1,000 HR leaders worldwide, highlights a widespread readiness among professionals to embrace AI in their workflows. With 77% expressing belief in AI’s potential to revolutionise company operations, the appeal of AI grows stronger amidst mounting workload pressures.

Key Findings from the Report

  • Top Concerns: Workload volume (80%), low employee morale and burnout (79%), and limited budgets (79%) emerge as primary challenges for HR professionals.
  • Perceptions on AI: An overwhelming 80% anticipate significant changes in their roles due to AI, with 71% foreseeing job creation as a result.
  • Technology Adoption: Automation, analytics, and cloud HR solutions are gaining traction, with 45%, 44%, and 43% of HR leaders utilising these technologies, respectively.
  • Areas of Focus: Strategic planning (61%), data-driven decision-making (59%), and employee engagement (59%) are identified as priorities, signalling a shift towards people-centric strategies.

The report underscores AI’s potential in enabling HR professionals to leverage data-driven insights effectively. However, it highlights the need for comprehensive training to maximise AI’s benefits.

Future Prospects and Recommendations

Looking ahead, the report also suggests that smaller businesses can enhance competitiveness by investing in HR technology. Despite progress in automation, 79% of respondents believe more HR processes could be automated to boost efficiency.

Amanda Cusdin, Chief People Officer at Sage, stresses the importance of technology in alleviating pressure on HR teams, enabling them to focus on strategic endeavours. Sarah Holmes, People and Training Manager at Cleveland Group, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the transformative potential of real-time analytics in informing strategic decisions.