Embracing AI is about more than just adopting AI-powered tools, according to top HR leaders

During a recent dinner in New York City, a group of HR executives gathered to explore the pivotal question: "Are we working for AI or is AI working for us?" Maxine Carrington, Chief People Officer of Northwell Health, emphasized the importance of using AI tools as enablers to achieve organizational goals rather than merely chasing the latest technology. This sentiment resonated with her peers as they engaged in a thought-provoking discussion titled "Futureproofing Your Workforce in the Age of AI," hosted by Business Insider and Indeed. The conversation highlighted the need for a shift in focus from merely integrating AI tools to reimagining and redesigning roles within organizations. Gareth Lewis from Lewis People & Culture Advisory pointed out that the challenge is more organizational than technological. He noted that current dialogues often center on tools, efficiency, and headcount reductions, neglecting the essential redesign of job roles. Agnes Garaba, Chief People Officer at UiPath, shared her experiences in this transformative process. She posed a challenging question to her functional leaders: "If I could start from scratch with my HR team, what would it look like?" Garaba acknowledged that the biggest hurdle often lies in the limitations of imagination. The executives also discussed the importance of fostering a culture where employees can become proficient in using AI. Katie Burke, COO of Harvey, urged leaders to actively participate in transformation efforts rather than just observing from the sidelines. She advocated for a supportive environment that encourages experimentation and creativity, rather than one driven by fear. Roz Harris, VP of Talent at Zillow, stressed the importance of holding product partners accountable for delivering true value through AI tools. She emphasized that organizations must clearly articulate their needs to these partners to ensure they receive effective solutions that drive impactful change. Maggie Hulce, Chief Revenue Officer at Indeed, highlighted the benefits of company-wide hackathons, where employees at all levels can contribute ideas and showcase their talents. She noted that such initiatives have empowered unexpected contributors, such as sales team members, to innovate in AI applications. Finally, Dickie Steele from McKinsey & Company called on HR leaders to champion a culture of productivity improvement through AI, while Liz Dente from Priceline cautioned against the hype surrounding AI's potential for extraordinary returns. Dente argued for a more realistic approach, valuing incremental progress over unattainable expectations. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the integration of AI into the workplace requires not just technological advancements but also a fundamental shift in mindset and organizational culture.