Unlocking HR’s Potential in the AI Revolution with Aashna Kircher and Cristina Goldt

In the latest episode of HR Happy Hour Show from the 2024 HR Technology Conference, industry leaders Aashna Kircher, Group General Manager of the Office of the CHRO, and Cristina Goldt, General Manager of Workforce and Payroll at Workday, provided an informative and thought-provoking discussion on the future of AI and HR technology.

 

With the rapid advancements in AI and data analytics, HR professionals are increasingly positioned to drive significant business outcomes. This episode examines the transformative role technology plays in shaping HR’s evolving influence within organizations, highlighting key tools and strategies that enhance efficiency and employee engagement.

 

Strategic Impact of HR Technology

Our conversation kicked off with a discussion of how technology is elevating HR’s role within organizations, making it a more strategic partner. Aashna emphasized how HR technology now integrates deeply with other business functions, enabling cross-functional collaboration. By leveraging real-time data, HR leaders can support decision-making processes across departments such as finance, operations, and IT. This shift helps businesses respond with agility in a fast-changing environment.

 

“I don’t think I can overstate enough, the importance and the impact that technology is having on the HR function today.” 

 

Cristina highlighted that HR technology is no longer just about administrative tasks but is becoming a key driver for business success. It helps organizations place the right talent in the right roles while optimizing employee engagement and productivity. In short, modern HR tools are a game-changer in shaping a responsive and strategic workforce.

 

Personalization and Data Insights

Both Aashna and Cristina reviewed how technology can deliver personalized experiences to employees. Workday’s tools provide highly customizable data insights that help organizations address the unique needs of individual employees, managers, and business leaders.

 

“Things are changing, and they’re changing so quickly, and HR technology is helping drive that change.”

 

By using AI-driven analytics, HR can proactively support team development, guide business strategy, and enhance employee satisfaction. As Cristina additionally noted, personalization is crucial for making the right decisions at every level, from employees managing their benefits and pay to leaders planning workforce strategies.

 

Why Tech Leaders Should Rethink Data Management and Tap AI for Insights

 

Employee Feedback and Continuous Improvement

The ability to capture and act on employee feedback in real time was another key topic of our discussion. Aashna explained how platforms like Workday’s Peakon Employee Voice have transformed the way organizations listen to employees. Organizations now have the ability to listen to their employees in a new way, asking the right questions at the right time, looking at critical themes that need action, and providing better insights using a large-scale data set.

 

By synthesizing employee sentiment and highlighting areas of concern quickly, companies can address issues before they become bigger problems. Acting on feedback consistently also encourages more participation from employees, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and lessening the risk of burnout.

 

Workday Voice of the Employee Report: Burnout “Doom Loop” Undermines Engagement and Loyalty

 

AI Adoption and Organizational Readiness.

 While the benefits of AI in HR are clear, many organizations are still at varying stages of adoption readiness. Aashna stressed the importance of having a solid strategy for AI adoption. Instead of chasing the latest trends, HR leaders must first assess their data readiness, ensure clean data flows, and build a framework to manage AI risks.

 

Cristina echoed these sentiments by emphasizing the importance of trust. The ability to trust in your AI vendor and trust in the ethical and transparent use of AI tools are essential for a successful AI strategy. By working with experienced partners like Workday, organizations can navigate AI’s complexities while maintaining a focus on responsibility and sustainability.

 

Conclusion

This podcast episode provided a wealth of insights for HR professionals on how to leverage AI and HR technology to make better decisions, drive business outcomes, and improve the employee experience. From cross-functional collaboration to real-time employee feedback, AI is rapidly transforming the HR landscape. The key takeaway? Embrace AI, but ensure you have a strategic, responsible, and data-driven approach.

 

To learn more, listen to the full podcast episode below.

Unlocking HR’s Potential in the AI Revolution