The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the workplace, presenting opportunities and challenges for human resources (HR) professionals. As AI continues to transform job roles, HR leaders are urged to rethink workforce structures and adapt to the new technological landscape.
A Shift in Workforce Dynamics
AI’s impact on the workforce is profound, with predictions that nearly half of entry-level, white-collar jobs might be eliminated in the coming years. According to Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, AI disruption is inevitable across all industries, affecting both white- and blue-collar positions. A report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) highlights that 12.6% of roles in the US are at a high or very high risk of being displaced by AI.
Adapting to Change
Industry experts like Rishad Tobaccowala, author of ‘Rethinking Work’, emphasize the need for HR and learning and development (L&D) teams to prepare for these transformations. Tobaccowala suggests a paradigm shift in how HR approaches job structures, moving away from traditional full-time roles to a blend of full-time, part-time, contractual, freelance workers, and AI technology.
Human-to-AI Continuum
Bryan Ackermann, head of AI strategy and transformation at Korn Ferry, introduces the concept of a human-to-AI continuum. He envisions a future where tasks are distributed among humans, AI-powered humans, AI agents supervised by humans, or purely AI systems. Companies will need to assess their needs, determining the optimal combination of human and AI resources to accomplish tasks effectively.
Strategic Workforce Management
Tobaccowala advocates for strategic workforce management, urging companies to embrace flexibility and agility. He suggests that organizations ask themselves, “What combination of human beings and AI do we need?” Those that lack this adaptability risk falling behind.
Creative Alternatives to Layoffs
With AI reducing the workload traditionally handled by humans, companies face decisions about workforce reductions. While some, like Tesla and Intuit, have opted for layoffs to reinvest in AI, Tobaccowala proposes alternative strategies. One approach involves transitioning full-time employees to part-time or contract roles while maintaining their benefits, accommodating employees’ preferences for reduced hours.
Rethinking Management Structures
The integration of AI also prompts a reevaluation of management structures. Tobaccowala foresees a reduction in middle management roles, replaced by a focus on individual contributors and leaders who drive innovation and productivity. This shift requires HR to reinvent itself, moving away from managing processes to embracing change and adaptability.
HR’s Role in the AI Era
As AI adoption accelerates, HR professionals must stay informed and proactive. Keeping abreast of industry trends and technological advancements is crucial for navigating this evolving landscape. HR Brew offers quick-to-read news and insights, providing valuable resources for HR professionals to remain nimble in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2025/06/12/how-one-strategy-could-help-hr-manage-its-workforce-in-the-age-of-ai. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
