The dichotomy between people and technology poses a threat to human resources,but to me, the combination is as exciting as it is inevitable.

Integrating artificial intelligence into HR escalates theinevitability of replacing employees as redundant positions areeliminated. As AI matures in your systems, more specializedpositions will be replaced. Despite this,extensive research from both Deloitte Press and Converge proves there is a benefit to incorporating AI and theInternet of Things (IoT) — devices such as wearable fashionelectronics and badges — into HR.

Success is preceded by risk. Managers will need to discern andforecast the right technology for meeting the current and future needs of theirorganizations. Ultimately, the technology a business deploys needsto be in service of achieving core business objectives—increasedrevenue, customers satisfaction and market share.

Whether it is IoT, gamification or biometrics, each company hasindividual needs. Here are the ways in which artificialintelligence will impact your workforce and the complexities toconsider while integrating them into your HR processes.

1. Productivity is now a science

AI will streamline data entry procedures, track employees'moods, and map the physical movements of hands and bodies toscientifically configure the most productive day for each employee.Once fully integrated, the analytics are put into motion and theproductivity of an employee and a workforce will drastically changewhat we now define as a “workday.” The “quantified employee” willstreamline daily tasks. Deloitte reported an 80% increase inproductivity after installing IoT devices and analytical modelsthat predicted downtime among employees.

2. Strengthened, streamlined recruitment

Incorporating AI technology into recruitment modernizes andenhances the search for an ideal candidate. Headstart combines psychometrictesting with algorithmic analysis to match a job candidate to acompany's culture. No longer will you need to filter your searchand select the perfect keywords and phrases; artificialintelligence can find your culturally matched best applicants.

3. Time to create a quality workforce

I believe AI and IoT won't replace HR professionals. Rather, themodern HR department will have a further reach and deeperinvolvement in the organization. JetBlue evaluated over 125,000 applicants for flight attendantsagainst eight historically used traits. “Nice” was one of thosetraits, but after analyzing customer feedback, they found that“nice” wasn't what customers were looking for. Instead, “helpful”was the quality favored by customers.

With this additional information, HR was able to identify anintegral element of employee training and change hiring criteria.The reality is that the less time spent on responsibilities thatcould be automated, the more time can be spent on HumanResources.

4. HR reduced to numbers

A great concern right now is the loss of the “human element” in“human resources.” AI requires connectivity, and what isn'tconnected to a computer still falls squarely on the shoulders ofHR. A computer can't sense animosity between a manager and employeeor overhear a worrisome conversation in the break room.

AI will free up time for HR to invest in providing the “human”touch to their workforce in ways a spreadsheet cannot.

5. The unidentified candidate

AI is built upon machines learning and mirroring past patternsto develop your own personal “thinking” system. AI will alwayschoose an applicant that best fits the algorithm, but a human eyeis required to move beyond that. What AI cannot do is identify theunique characteristics of an applicant who is worth taking a chanceon.

6. Risks and regulations

Like with all policies and processes in HR, carefulconsideration of legal implications and compliance should alwayshave a role in deciding your path. Regulations will arise as AIslowly infiltrates HCM systems. When possibilities are endless, therisks are as well.

AI in HR is inevitable. The productivity of AI technologyoutweighs the complex issues that may negatively stall enterpriseadoption. Staying aware and keeping abreast of changes to theartificial intelligence landscape will ensure your team isembracing the productivity of AI and have a knowledge of thecomplexity.