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9. Can AI replace HR Professionals?

 


AI is essential in the industries, but by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of key HR operations studies found many results. While AI provides great efficiency like reduce resume screening time by approx. 80%, still struggles with human judgement tasks like ethical recruitment. 


Table 9.1 : AI adoption & HR functions

HR Function

2018 Adoption (%)

2021 Adoption (%)

2023 Adoption (%)

Recruitment

12%

42%

58%

Onboarding

8%

25%

45%

Performance Evaluation

5%

15%

30%

Employee Engagement

10%

30%

55%



Table 9.2 : AI in HR functions - Efficiency gains

HR Task

Traditional HR Time (hrs)

AI-Assisted Time (hrs)

Efficiency Gain (%)

Resume Screening

2.5

0.5

80%

Employee Feedback Analysis

3.0

1.0

67%

Payroll Processing

4.0

1.5

63%

Training Needs Assessment

3.5

1.0

71%



Table 9.3 : Employment within HR, based on AI impact

Year

Total HR Jobs

AI-Based HR Jobs

Traditional HR Jobs

Annual Change in HR Jobs (%)

2018

100,000

5,000

95,000

-

2020

98,000

10,000

88,000

-2%

2023

95,000

18,000

77,000

-3%



(Celestin, M. 2023)

AI role in HR : Summary,

AI can automate HR's workloads (resume screening, surveys, scheduling, save time, employee development, tailored training and etc.). At the same time, HR can get more free time to focus on their live human and their requirement identifying to make the working environment a better place. Which means with more emotional intelligence, sensitivity and ethical judgement to take advanced decisions within the organization.

(Integrity HR, 2023)

        Communicorp in UK, already transformed their HR with AI, to reduce daily workloads of the HR departments. This enables the HR to focus on human-centric work to enable more connection among them. 

(Page, T. 2025)



Figure 9.1 - Employment Hero AI-Based HR in Communicorp, UK


Why Human HR always matter?

  • AI cannot replicate what HR does as human beings. To handle a situation, HR should follow empathy, emotional conditions and etc. And also ensure fairness in hiring and development. 

    (Singh , Dr.A. 2024)
  • Modern researches support Hybrid-based models that equipped both human and AI interactions. While deploying new Artificial Intelligence technologies added value with humane-based decision making using more accurate and fast methods. 

    (Hrtechnewsforum.com. 2025)


According to above mentioned studies and data, a hybrid-based structure that including AI and Human is essential and beneficial. With the AI, organizations can achieve speed, accuracy, automation. But the lacking factors like emotional and sensational intelligence including the ethical judgements can take by human-based workers, HR professionals. Then only the industries can move forward with more smarter and sustainable way.


References: 

1. Celestin, M. (2023). 10th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research and Modern Education. pp.90, 98.

2. Integrity HR (2023). Why AI won’t be able to handle the human resources function in a company - Integrity HR. [online] Integrity HR - Everyone Deserves Great HR. Available at: https://integrityhr.com/hrblog/why-ai-cant-replace-hr-in-a-company/.

‌3. Page, T. (2025). How HR Leads Digital Transformation | Avado Learning. [online] Avado. Available at: https://www.avadolearning.com/blog/how-hr-is-leading-the-future-of-digital-transformation/.

‌4. Singh , Dr.A. (2024). Human VS. Machine: The Balance of AI and Human Judgment in HR Decisions. International Journal for Novel Research in Economics , Finance and Management, [online] 2(6), pp.150, 155. Available at: www.ijnrefm.com

5. Hrtechnewsforum.com. (2025). AI vs. HR: Is Artificial Intelligence Replacing Human Resources? [online] Available at: https://www.hrtechnewsforum.com/newsletter/ai-vs-hr-is-artificial-intelligence-replacing-human-resources/ [Accessed 29 Jul. 2025].

Comments

  1. This article does a great job of showing how AI is changing HR in practical ways—like cutting resume screening time by 80%—while also recognizing that AI can’t replace the human touch when it comes to empathy and ethical decisions (Celestin, 2023; Integrity HR, 2023). It makes a strong case for a balanced approach, where AI handles repetitive tasks, freeing up HR professionals to focus on building real connections and fairness in the workplace. This thoughtful view really captures how people and technology need to work together for HR to truly thrive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I’m glad the balance between AI efficiency and the irreplaceable human touch resonated with you. It’s all about leveraging technology to empower HR professionals, not replace them.

      Delete
  2. This was a good read. AI absolutely saves time and makes HR work more efficient, but I still believe people need people. HR is not just about processes, it's about feelings, equity, and real conversations. AI can assist, but it can't replace human intuition. Maybe the question is actually, how do we ensure technology is bringing us closer together, not further apart?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely agree with you! AI is a powerful tool to support HR, but the heart of it will always be human connection, empathy, and fairness. The real challenge and also the opportunity is using technology to enhance those bonds, not replace them. It’s about creating a bond between innovation and intuition.

      Delete
  3. Artificial Intelligence significantly enhances HR efficiency by automating routine tasks such as resume screening and data analysis, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic and interpersonal aspects of their role. However, the human element remains indispensable for ethical decision-making, empathy, and maintaining fairness in recruitment and employee development. A hybrid approach combining AI capabilities with human judgment offers the most effective and sustainable path forward for modern HR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment Lorance! The hybrid model truly captures how AI can empower HR by handling repetitive tasks while human insight ensures ethical, empathetic, and fair outcomes. It’s the best way to leverage technology without losing the essential human touch.

      Delete
  4. This is a timely content and you have explored about how AI can imapct to the Human Resource operations. As you have mentioned, AI can use in HRM in various ways. Recently IBM has formally announced, 90% of typical HR questions are now answered by an AI agent and the role of HR Business Partner is all but eliminated except for very senior leaders (Joshbersin, 2025). As AI and Humans two different things, the way they are handling and providing solutions for the growth of the business may differ. Hence, if HR professionals can use AI in a more useful manner they can thrive their goals easily and can add value to their business as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing this timely idea. IBM’s example highlights how AI is reshaping traditional HR roles and emphasizing the need for HR professionals to adapt and collaborate effectively with AI.

      Delete

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