AI-Powered HR Initiatives

AI is making HR more efficient and personalized by improving hiring, employee engagement, and performance management. It helps tailor career growth, wellness programs, and workplace inclusion, shaping the future of HR. Here are some HR initiatives powered by AI.

Figure 01: Uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI in Recruitment

1. Unilever’s AI-Powered Recruitment Example: 

Unilever introduced an AI-driven platform by using AI and machine learning called HireVue, which can analyze video interviews using natural language processing and facial recognition in order to evaluate the responses and emotions of the candidates in recruitment. This provides screen candidates more efficiently and with greater objectivity (Unilever, 2019).

Best Practice:

Unilever has combined AI with behavioral science and ensures that hiring decisions are based on data-driven insights rather than subjective judgment, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce (Unilever, 2019).

2. L’Oreal’s AI-Powered Hiring Process Example:

L’Oreal uses an AI-powered chatbot called Mya to hire the best candidates. Mya can engage with them, answer their questions, and help with the pre-screening process. It can conduct initial interviews, gather relevant data, and make the recruitment process faster and more efficient (CNN Business, 2019). 

Best Fit:

With the help of Mya, L'Oreal can recognize the best applicants and expedite the recruitment process without compromising a customized experience (CNN Business, 2019).

AI in Performance Management 

1. IBM Uses Watson for Talent Analytics:

IBM uses an AI-driven analytic platform called Watson to collect data about employee performance and behaviors. Watson can provide insights into employee satisfaction, career development, and skill gaps. The AI-driven platform uses data from employee performance reviews, team dynamics, and internal surveys to generate insights that help HR teams make better decisions (Scott Hodges, 2017). 

Best Practice:

IBM’s use of AI-driven insights helps HR teams tailor training and development programs based on the actual data, enabling more efficient employee growth and retention strategies (Scott Hodges, 2017).

2. Google Uses AI and People Analytics for Performance Reviews:

Google employs its own AI system for performance reviews and employee development. The company uses data analytics and machine learning to evaluate employees' work habits, feedback, and performance to improve goal setting and talent management (Emily Grace, 2014).

Best Fit:

By using AI to analyze data in real-time, Google offers timely and accurate feedback to employees and helps employees identify their strengths and areas that need to be further improved (Emily Grace, 2014).

AI in Employee Engagement

1. Salesforce’s AI-Driven Employee Experience: 

Salesforce uses an AI platform called Einstein to create personalized employee experiences. By analyzing employee interactions, feedback, and performance data, it helps HR deliver personalized solutions like career development opportunities, wellness programs, and team-building activities that align with each employee's unique needs and preferences (Salesforce, 2025)

Best Practice:

Salesforce uses AI to personalize the employee experience, boosting engagement, job satisfaction, and continuous growth (Salesforce, 2025).

2. Microsoft AI-Powered Productivity Insights (Viva Insights):

Microsoft’s Viva Insights is an AI-powered tool that helps employees manage their work-life balance, reduce stress, and improve productivity. It analyzes work habits, such as time spent in meetings and emails, to offer personalized suggestions for focus time, well-being breaks, and better collaboration. Managers also receive insights on team workload and engagement to foster a healthier work environment. By using AI, Viva Insights helps create a more balanced and efficient workplace (Microsoft, 2023).

Best Fit:

By leveraging AI, Microsoft Viva Insights helps employees and organizations create a healthier work environment, prevent burnout, and improve overall productivity. It promotes a "people-first" workplace, ensuring employees maintain a balanced and efficient work routine (Microsoft, 2023).

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

1. Accenture’s Responsible AI Framework: 

Accenture follows a Responsible AI Framework to ensure their AI tools are used ethically and comply with data privacy laws. This framework sets clear guidelines for transparency, fairness, and reducing bias in AI-driven HR tools. The company also conducts regular testing of its AI systems to make sure they are unbiased and that all data is managed securely (Accenture, 2025).

Best Practice:

Accenture’s focus on transparency and ethics in using AI in HR sets a good example for fairness and compliance, especially in sensitive areas like hiring and performance reviews (Accenture, 2025).

2. Netflix uses AI for bias-free recruiting: 

Netflix uses AI to make hiring fairer by analyzing data and removing unconscious bias. Their AI tools ensure candidates are evaluated based on skills and experience, not on factors like gender or ethnicity (Andrew Brown, 2024).

Best Fit:

Netflix’s AI-driven method to reduce bias shows how ethical practices can be embedded in recruitment to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce (Andrew Brown, 2024).

These industrial best practices from leading companies demonstrate how AI is transforming HR, especially in recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement. Organizations can improve operations and create a more inclusive, productive workforce by automating tasks, analyzing data better, and personalizing experiences. However, it's important to use AI responsibly and make sure to prevent bias and protect employee data.

References

• Neil Sahota. (2022), What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and How Does it Work [image]. Available at: https://www.neilsahota.com/what-is-artificial-intelligence-how-does-it-work/ (Accessed: 13 March 2025).
• Unilever. (2019) Unilever launches new AI-powered talent marketplace. Available at:  https://www.unilever.com/news/press-and-media/press-releases/2019/unilever-launches-ai-powered-talent-marketplace/ [Accessed 12 March 2025].
• CNN Bussiness. (2019)  Want to work for L’Oreal? Get ready to chat with an AI bot. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/29/tech/ai-recruitment-loreal/index.html [Accessed 13 March 2025].
• Scott Hodges. (2017) What is IBM Watson and what can it do? Available at: https://www.logicalis.com/insights/what-is-ibm-watson [Accessed 13 March 2025].
• Emily Grace. (2024) How Google is using people analytics to completely reinvent HR Available at: https://www.peoplehum.com/blog/how-google-is-using-people-analytics-to-completely-reinvent-hr [Accessed 12 March 2025]. 
• Salesforce. (2025) Salesforce Artificial Intelligence. Availble at: https://www.salesforce.com/artificial-intelligence/ [Accessed 12 March 2025].
• Microsoft. (2023) Viva Insights: Improve productivity and well-being. Available at: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva/insights [Accessed 13 March 2025].
• Accenture. (2025) Make responsible AI pervasive and systematic in the enterprise. Available at: https://www.accenture.com/us-en/services/data-ai/responsible-ai [Accessed 12 March 2025].
• Andrew Brown. (2024) The Netflixification of the candidate experience Available at: https://www.cornerstoneondemand.com/resources/article/the-netflixification-of-the-candidate-experience/ [Accessed 13 March 2025].