Ask the Hiring Boss is our ongoing advice series dedicated to all questions HR. Today, we’re covering automation, technology, and AI in the workplace. Each month, our team of hiring and staffing experts, team up to answer the questions we all have but don’t know who to ask.
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Hey Hiring Boss,
Big fan of your advice column. Given all the recent news about AI, etc., I’m curious to hear your thoughts: What are some aspects of HR that you think more people could automate?
-Busy HR Manager
Dear Busy,
I love this question! (And thank you for reading Ask the Hiring Boss!) I’m a big proponent of automating any HR processes that allow us more time to connect with our teams. So: automate the busy work, and personalize the deep work.
Depending on your resources, I’d recommend exploring tools that make life simpler for you and also for employees. Examples include:
- Using modern payroll platforms like Gusto or Bamboo HR to send direct deposits
- Working with a benefits partner that provides employees with an app or intuitive website for finding care, booking appointments, and checking plan details
- Automating time-off requests (if you haven’t already)
- Temp or temp-to-hire staffing! If you’re hiring in California, let us do that.
As for overlooked areas, I think more HR professionals can and should automate onboarding and offboarding! If you put a detailed structure in place, including organizing and digitizing important resources, you can streamline the process both ways. But don’t sacrifice those one-on-one exit interviews or performance reviews! These are examples of “personalizing the deep work,” so make time for them. I also often recommend personalized “stay interviews,” where you check in one-on-one with current employees to see how things are going — a key for retention!
Hope that helps! And for the record, this was not written by ChatGPT 😉
We’ll be back soon with our next installment. Don’t forget to submit your question, or read our other previous answers in our Ask the Hiring Boss series!
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