3 Critical Roles the HR Department Plays in AI Adoption
Author : Ada Tai, MBA, CPHR, SHRM-SCP
Our house needed some special repairs. My spouse and I had never hired a specialist for this type of work before. Instead of trying to figure out where to start, we used an AI tool that instantly gave us the steps and tips we needed and even helped us prepare a quote-obtaining template! For work, I have been using and implementing an AI-powered tool in our business that helps improve our writing. We also used an AI-powered tool for our clients' engagement surveys. Again, AI tools have benefits in everyday life and work.
Artificial Intelligence is changing every industry and unlocking many possibilities. According to Accenture, three-quarters of organizations now prioritize AI over all other digital investments 1
. This shift could inspire excitement and confidence in HR professionals. However, are you ready to use AI to improve your HR programs and practices?
A survey 2
among 600 HR managers and directors in the UK showed that 40% of these organizations need at least three years to prepare for AI. Only 15% said they would be fully prepared within a year, despite many reporting that they know the importance of AI in their workplace. There could be many reasons why adopting advanced technologies is difficult, such as budget, resources, leadership and culture, state of the business and business priorities. Common concerns shared by HR leaders in the same survey 2
are a lack of human interaction and becoming over-dependent on technology, technical issues, security, privacy, and ethical considerations.
In my opinion, AI and other advanced technologies reduce the need for superior technology skills, but they amplify the need for interpersonal skills and emotional connection among employees. This underscores the crucial role of the HR department in guiding the organization through any AI-driven change, ensuring that the right people and skills are in place to leverage new technologies effectively.
The HR department can play three critical roles in technology transformation:
Re-designing Jobs and Re-training the Workforce
As AI eliminates many repetitive and low-value tasks, HR can take this opportunity to reorganize jobs to better align with the business's goals and make them more engaging for employees.
The typical steps for reconfiguring a job include:
1. Breaking down existing job roles into major tasks, identifying repetitive and low-value duties suitable for AI automation.
2. Analyzing the remaining tasks based on the organization's priorities and objectives to understand the missing skills in the workforce and the additional skills required. The below table shows an example of a Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist role.
| Examples of AI-suitable tasks | Examples of poeple-suitable tasks |
|
|
3.
Design the remaining tasks to create new, engaging positions leveraging human intelligence.
4.
As the above example (in the right column) shows, the reimagined L&D position now focuses on more strategic-level tasks and emphasizes collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills. Businesses need to invest in training, upskilling or reskilling programs, mentorship and coaching opportunities, and hiring individuals with the necessary skills. The key is actively involving employees in the process and gathering feedback to enhance training programs.
Influencing Change
HR can be the influencer to foster a culture of continuous learning where employees are encouraged to develop new skills throughout their careers. This means helping employees understand how their roles might change and supporting them as they move into new positions or explore different career paths within the company.
Focus on the Employee Experience
McKinsey surveyed workers in Canada, the US, and the UK and found some surprising things about AI talent in companies 3
. They discovered that there are more people who can work with AI than most leaders think. This group is growing fast, and it's not just tech people like data scientists or software developers. It includes all sorts of employees! Interestingly, these workers say they need more "soft skills" like communication and problem-solving to do their jobs well, not just tech skills. Furthermore, the survey shows that compensation isn't the main reason people want to work with AI. The well-known attraction and retention factors such as the work environment, culture, supervisor, and meaningful work are still more important.
The introduction of AI can cause anxiety among employees, particularly regarding their job security and potential changes. To address these concerns, HR can involve employees in technology integration. Engaging with employees at all levels to assess what tools the employees may need and get their input on how AI could improve their work processes and experience. This helps employees understand that AI is a tool to enhance their jobs, not a replacement for their jobs.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 20234, 6 out of 10 workers will require retraining before 2027. This means that those of us working in HR have limited time to prepare ourselves and our workforce for advanced technology adoption. HR will play a crucial role in predicting future skill requirements, redesigning jobs, and guiding employees through any AI-driven changes. It is essential to build and maintain employee trust, starting with clear communication and ensuring that ethical and privacy guidelines are up to date.
References:
1.
Accenture. (2023, February 22). Among C-suite leaders, AI is top digital priority in the path to operational resilience, finds Accenture study [Press release]. Retrieved May 2, 2024 from https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2023/among-c-suite-leaders-ai-is-top-digital-priority-in-the-path-to-operational-resilience-finds-accenture-study
2.
Webber, A. (2021, September 2). Two in five HR leaders need three years to prepare for AI. Retrieved Apr. 30, 2024, from https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/hr-prepare-for-ai-yoho-survey/
3.
Smet, A., Durth, S., Hancock B. Mugayar-Baldocchi M., Reich A. (March 18, 2024). The human side of generative AI: Creating a path to productivity. McKinsey Quarterly. Retrieved May 5, 2024, from https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-human-side-of-generative-ai-creating-a-path-to-productivity?stcr=8D2D032EFBCD4095A2CC9938AA5F74C7&cid=other-eml-alt-mip-mck&hlkid=0d61253acf6a49a4a3a5209307de6771&hctky=15236999&hdpid=f9454504-f3ae-43ba-903f-218d1338e2f6
4.
World Economic Forum. (2023). The future of jobs report 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2024, from https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/
I see. I hear. I experience. is a column created by and written by Ada Tai, a chartered member of CPHR Alberta. The column is written in a blog format where Ada and invited co-authors will present their own experiences and interpretations of the world of human resources and its impact on business management. This and the subsequent posts are copyrighted materials by the author(s) and only reflect their personal views, not CPHR Alberta’s.
Author bio:
With an MBA Degree, a CPHR, and an SHRM-SCP designation, Ada Tai has been working as an HR professional in a variety of industries for 15+ years. Through her consulting firm, Ada and the team provide a variety of strategic and pragmatic management consulting services. Ada’s public speaking skills have enabled her to be regularly invited to speak about HR, people management, career search, and networking topics throughout the province. She is also a well-respected Instructor at local universities.
Contact information:
Website: www.badab101.com
LinkedIn: adatai
or BadaB-Consulting-Inc
Facebook: @badabconsulting
YouTube: BadaB Consulting Inc.
BadaB Consulting Inc.
has been providing HR solutions and Business Technology consulting services since 2011. Renowned for their holistic and forward-thinking approach, the team has helped numerous clients establish future-proofed technology strategies and roadmaps by identifying and preparing the right infrastructure and people.
New Paragraph
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.
We’re excited to congratulate the CPHR Alberta 2025’s scholarship recipients! Each year, these awards help us recognize emerging HR talent and support students who are taking meaningful steps toward their future in the profession. CPHR Alberta scholarships play an important role in easing financial barriers, celebrating academic achievement, and connecting students with the professional community that will support them as they work toward earning the CPHR designation. Below, meet this year’s outstanding recipients. CPHR Alberta’s Eldon Emerson Scholarship: Undergraduate Award Created in 2021, the Eldon Emerson Scholarship honours Eldon’s exceptional leadership, contribution, and passion for the HR profession. Eldon received the Fellowship Award in 2013—one of the highest honours in our community, recognizing exemplary service and impact. 2025 Eldon Emerson Award Winner Chinenye Rajafa CPHR Alberta’s Diploma Scholarship: Undergraduate Award Launched in 2023, the Diploma Scholarship supports student members enrolled in a 2‑year HR diploma program. Recipients show strong academic performance, community involvement, and a clear commitment to the HR profession and the CPHR designation pathway. 2025 Diploma Scholarship Award Winner Mehar Kaur Follow Their Journey We encourage you to connect with Chinenye and Mehar on LinkedIn and support them as they begin their HR careers. A simple follow, message, or connection can go a long way for emerging professionals. Watch for 2026 Scholarship Dates The next intake period for CPHR Alberta’s Scholarship Program opens Fall 2026. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for updates. Become a Student Member Whether you're studying in an accredited HR program or building your skills through part‑time, continuing education, or bridging programs, CPHR Alberta has a student membership option designed to support your path into the profession. Joining as a student member gives you access to resources, events, and a community that can help you take your next step with confidence. Learn more and join
Plan your 2026 professional development in advance and discover what CPHR Alberta has planned for you! Below is a brief overview of the programming coming your way in the months ahead. For full details, visit our new PD Calendar , and check your Member Portal regularly for updates. Signature Events Member Recognition Gala – April 30, 2026 | The Westin Airport Hotel, Calgary We invite you to an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. The Member Recognition Gala is a formal event honouring the individuals, teams, and projects shaping the future of HR across Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Inspired by the Aurora Borealis, this redesigned experience replaces traditional awards with Spotlights—a meaningful way to recognize excellence in action. Tickets will go on sale soon. CPHR Alberta 2026 Conference: Future-Ready HR – June 2–3, 2026 | BMO Centre, Calgary Our 2026 Conference prepares human resources (HR) professionals to master the fundamentals, embrace innovation, and build executive-level influence—creating agile organizations ready for economic and workforce change. A future-ready HR community. Registration will be opening soon. Chapter Community Events | Throughout 2026 We’ll be visiting all chapters across the year with popular community events in your region. Stay tuned for event announcements and details. Stampede Breakfast | July | Calgary, AB A member favourite breakfast event is returning! Join us to mingle, connect, and enjoy the energy of Stampede. More information will be shared soon. Certificates Workplace Investigations Training | February 17–19 and March 17–19 Presented in partnership with Veritas Solutions. The Workplace Investigations Certificate is a three‑day program focusing on three core training topics. Participants may register for the full program or select stand‑alone courses. A certificate is awarded upon completion, and no prerequisites are required. Webinars Networking at Noon Join us for one hour each month to explore current and emerging HR topics. With a new focus every session, you'll leave with thought‑provoking questions and earn 1 CPD hour. On February 12, join us for HR Trends & Priorities for 2026. International Women’s Day National Event Join us on March 4 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for a special fireside chat with Layne the Auctionista and Sheena Russell, founder of Made with Local . This national celebration of International Women’s Day explores the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting how generosity and purpose‑driven leadership can shape meaningful careers. You’ll hear real stories, bold insights, and practical inspiration you can take back to your HR practice. Details ®gistration: https://cphrns.ca/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2018615&group= Virtual Sessions for Students Students can expect two sessions each month: one dedicated to building skills one offering practical advice from HR professionals in the field These sessions are complimentary for Student Members. Are you interested in becoming a member? Students receive complimentary membership. Learn more: www.cphrab.ca/student-programs Other Events DisruptHR YYC 13.0 will take place in October. More details will be shared in late summer. Plan Your Year With Us Explore the full list of programs and events on our 2026 PD Calendar.
In 2025, CPHR Alberta became a partner to the Collaborative Funders Table and the Calgary Youth Employment Initiative to address under-employment for opportunity youth. Over seven months, more than 60 partners came together to research, design, and test what would become OY Works . That story of co-creation is what makes this toolkit different. Employers shared what they need to know and what tools would make a difference. CPHR Alberta members contributed HR expertise through representation on the steering committee, and participation in surveys, interviews, and protype testing throughout 2025. Attracting, engaging, and retaining young talent isn’t just a workforce strategy — it’s an investment in our collective future. When we empower youth with meaningful opportunities, modern skills, and a sense of belonging, we build workplaces that are more innovative today and more resilient tomorrow. The organizations that thrive will be the ones that recognize youth not as the workforce of the future, but as essential contributors shaping the world right now. A dedicated toolkit to hire opportunity youth gives HR professionals and employers the practical resources, insights, and frameworks they need to connect with young people authentically — turning intention into action and helping break down barriers and supporting organizations to build strong, sustainable talent pipelines. Co‑designed with HR professionals and industry leaders, the toolkit reflects real challenges and real solutions, ensuring it is both practical and deeply aligned with the needs of today’s evolving workforce. - Lisa Watson, CPHR Alberta Board Director, OY Works Steering Committee Member Today marks an exciting milestone: the launch of OY Works , an online toolkit designed to make inclusive youth hiring easier for Alberta employers and HR professionals. This free resource was co-created by a diverse group of stakeholders—employers, HR experts, and non-profit agencies—who share a common goal: opening doors for young people who are ready to work but face barriers. Why OY Works? Too many youth are eager to contribute, learn, and grow, yet struggle to access meaningful employment. OY Works is here to change that. Built with practicality and purpose in mind, the toolkit offers actionable strategies to help businesses recruit, onboard, and retain Opportunity Youth—young people aged 18–29 who are not currently in school, training, or work. What’s Inside the Toolkit? It makes business sense: Read the Business Case for hiring Opportunity Youth and be empowered to influence leaders. Explore the ideas and tools in the Quick Start Hiring Guide . Learn how to onboard effectively and build retention from day one in the Optimal Onboarding & Mentoring Guide and the Retain & Grow Guide . Discover how non-profit agencies are preparing OY for the workplace. They often support employers and employees through all stages of employment. This isn’t just about doing good—it’s about making smart business decisions. Inclusive hiring strengthens workplace culture, reduces turnover, and taps into a motivated talent pool ready to make a difference. We invite you to explore OY Works and join the movement to create opportunities for youth who deserve a chance to shine. Explore the OY Works toolkit: https://bit.ly/3L6SQuF When young people get a chance to contribute, it’s a win for youth, employers and the community. Join us in spreading the word by sharing the toolkit with your networks.
