IRIS Elements: Three ways artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of cloud HR software

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every industry, and HR is no exception.

With AI's ability to streamline processes, analyse huge chunks of data and automate repetitive tasks, there are a number of benefits for HR to obtain.

As such, it is no surprise AI is becoming an increasingly pivotal part of cloud HR software.

HR teams will always play a vital role in people management, but AI can now take care of the time-consuming admin, enabling you to focus on those all-important people tasks.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how AI can revolutionise your approach to managing people.

1) CPD is easier using AI and cloud HR software

Do employees have certain career goals, personality traits or skill sets?

AI can strengthen your continued professional development (CPD) by using this information to identify suitable mentors and training.  

For instance, an employee may aspire to become a site manager within a few years.

Cloud HR software, equipped with AI technology, could complete a comprehensive skills audit, identifying training courses and experienced leaders with relevant expertise and knowledge.

In the future, AI could potentially analyse employee skills, experience and career ambitions, suggesting the steps they need to take to achieve their goal.

Additionally, if someone wants to change their career and move departments, AI could assess what skills the employee has a suggest suitable roles or recommend training programs to bridge the gap.

2) Spot disengaged employees and quickly take action

One of the most powerful applications of AI in cloud HR software is its ability to detect signs of employee disengagement and burnout.

While managers may notice and act on individual warning signs, AI can filter through large amounts of data to spot patterns and trends in your entire workforce.

With AI, the software could monitor factors such as changes in productivity or attendance, alerting managers to potential issues before they escalate.

Let’s say your HR software flags high levels of absenteeism in one of your teams.

You could sit down with them to better understand their perspective, uncovering:

• Are they overworked?

• Are certain individuals struggling with their mental health?

• Is ineffective leadership to blame?

These conversations enable you to tackle the root of the problem.

AI does the complicated and time-consuming data correlation, empowering HR professionals to make a greater difference and actually work with the people.

3) HR chatbots can improve employee satisfaction

HR professionals receive a constant flow of questions from staff.

We’re not suggesting AI chatbots can replace human contact, but they are an effective way to answer the more simple questions quickly.

AI chatbots can handle a wide range of topics such as:

• Company policies

• Benefits

• Annual leave

• Payroll

Rather than taking your time away from more important work, chatbots provide employees with instant support and information.

Plus, if the question is too complex for AI, it can be escalated to a human.

The ever-evolving world of HR software

Cloud HR software is seeing rapid change, backed by AI, and shows no signs of slowing.

However, we are only scratching the surface.

In our recent podcast, Julian Musson, Senior Product Director here at IRIS Software Group and Kinsey Li, Associate Director of HR Analytics at EY, talk about all things AI in HR and how it will revolutionise the way we use employee data.