AI in the workplace: Retaining human connection and values

While technology has become an integral part of the workplace, human connection is just as important as ever. But we risk losing sight of that connection as AI use becomes more common.

Thankfully, talent acquisition professionals are in a unique position to advocate for core values, connection and authenticity. So, AI will work alongside employees and improve their overall experiences.

Make the most of AI in the workplace – without values taking a backseat – with this advice from four Cielo experts:

Use AI as a tool

Culture and AI aren’t mutually exclusive. Think of AI as a reliable partner rather than the driving force. Let it handle routine tasks like sorting resumes or setting up interviews, but reserve the crucial, personal interactions for your team. The real impact happens when humans step in to have those genuine, meaningful conversations.

When implementing AI, explain how it fits into your company’s larger vision. Share how it helps teams stay connected. When everyone understands AI is there to elevate your company’s strengths, the whole process feels more genuine.

You can also use AI to keep a pulse on culture. It can provide insights into whether your messaging and interactions are resonating as intended and can adjust as necessary. By treating AI as a tool that enhances human connections, your culture will thrive.

– Leslee Kress, Vice President – Global Implementation

Lead by example

Although AI in the workplace will help organizations operate more efficiently, the world of work is still very human. To drive engagement, connection and retention, TA leaders and organizations need to preserve the moments that matter: meeting with a recruiter or hiring manager during the interview process, having face-to-face time with their manager during onboarding, participating in regular feedback sessions, and more.

It’s also critical for senior leaders to demonstrate organizational culture that amplify the employer brand and human connections. AI will enable these connections, but authenticity and high-quality interactions will be the determining factors behind a company’s success.

– Josh Needle, Senior Vice President – Business Development

Offer reverse mentoring and value propositions

Keeping the human experience in mind at the heart of all change – particularly the implementation of AI in the workplace – is critical. One of the ways to achieve this is reverse mentoring programs that foster connectivity across enterprises and give your digital natives chance to shine. Another is to create a value proposition for your organization’s approach to AI – much like some organizations created an "office value proposition" coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. This brings the intention to life in an authentic, transparent way, and helps your workplace culture and AI operate in harmony.

– Sally Hunter, Executive Vice President – Revenue Strategy

Deliver exceptional experiences

To balance culture and AI, it’s important to keep the human connection between candidates, recruiters, and hiring managers at the forefront of all processes. Even when we augment with technology, it's critical that we begin with the end objective in mind: to improve experiences for all.

Make a conscious effort to not only remain people-centric, but to surprise and delight those involved. Following this strategy, it's easy to lean heavily into AI and other tech while retaining connection and authenticity.

Think about which touch points could benefit from improvement and then seek out technology partners that’ll deliver an exceptional experience. Time and cost savings will follow. Otherwise, you can end up with a clunky process that costs you in poor experiences and inefficient workarounds.

– Rebecca Volpano, Vice President – Product Management

As AI use becomes more widespread, leaders must find the right balance of culture and AI. Keeping human experience at the heart of all processes and treating AI as a partner will allow organizations to retain connection while benefitting from this revolutionary technology.