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The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in HR has grown rapidly in recent years. In a January 2024 SHRM survey, nearly half of HR professionals said using AI to support HR had become more of a priority over the previous year.
Many see AI not as a replacement for human work, but as a way to enhance it. Over half of respondents said AI could improve collaboration, and three-quarters agreed that advancements in AI will make human intelligence even more important in the workplace over the next five years.
READ: Hiring Smarter in the Age of AI: Why the Human Element Still Matters
“We are people-led and tech-powered,” said Donna Morris, chief people officer at Walmart. “That means we see AI enabling us to work more effectively and spend more time on the human-centric aspects of jobs across the enterprise.”
Here are five practical ways HR leaders are already using AI to improve operations, employee experiences, and business outcomes.
1. Streamlining Daily Tasks
AI is helping HR teams automate manual tasks, freeing up time for strategic work.
Walmart’s internal AI tool, My Assistant, gives HR associates instant access to key metrics and answers to common people-related questions. “It helps our team find data in seconds instead of digging through multiple systems,” Morris said.
At a recent leadership meeting, Walmart’s HR team used AI to gather research in minutes, a task that would have taken hours manually, allowing more time for strategy and planning.
2. Harnessing Data for Better Decisions
AI is also improving how HR teams collect, analyze, and share data.
At SingleStore, an AI-driven database company, the HR team uses AI to measure the effectiveness of programs and share insights across the department. “We’re becoming more confident, more engaged, and more effective as our AI fluency grows,” said Heidi Hill Brandow, head of the global people team.
3. Engaging with Employees
AI tools are making it easier to connect with employees and address their needs quickly.
At Perceptyx, an employee experience platform, AI-powered knowledge bases give staff instant answers to common questions. This has freed up managers and HR professionals for deeper, more personalized check-ins with employees.
“Quicker access to information reduces frustration and improves satisfaction,” said Lisa Sterling, chief people officer at Perceptyx. “It also supports better retention.”
4. Sourcing Candidates More Efficiently
Recruiting teams are using AI to speed up hiring without lowering standards.
Chronosphere uses AI for A/B testing candidate outreach messages to improve engagement. SingleStore integrates AI into role design, sourcing, and candidate matching to place the right people in the right roles faster.
“AI lets us move faster while keeping our high performance standards,” said Ashley Alexander, Chronosphere’s chief people officer.
5. Boosting Career Growth
AI can also help employees advance in their careers.
Walmart is piloting an AI-powered interview coach that simulates a real interview, scores answers, and offers instant feedback. The tool is designed to help candidates improve their performance and increase their chances of landing the right job.
“This will give talented candidates a better chance and strengthen their skills,” Morris said. If the pilot is successful, Walmart plans to make it available to all applicants.
Looking Ahead
HR leaders are using AI to streamline operations, improve decision-making, enhance employee experiences, and support career growth. With early wins already in place, they are also driving AI adoption across their organizations, showing how human intelligence and artificial intelligence can work together to create better workplaces.
