A recent report from Harvard Business Review Analytic Services has revealed a concerning gap in the digital transformation journey of enterprises: only 1 in 5 HR leaders are actively involved in shaping their organization’s AI strategy. As artificial intelligence becomes central to business operations, this lack of HR engagement signals a missed opportunity in aligning people, processes, and technology.
HR’s Underestimated Role in the AI Era
The report, based on a global survey of senior business executives, highlights how AI is transforming everything from customer experience to operations. Yet, many companies are failing to include HR in AI planning, even though workforce readiness and change management are critical to successful AI adoption.
In most organizations, AI implementation is still seen as a technology-first initiative, driven by IT and data teams. However, excluding HR from the equation can lead to major challenges—ranging from workforce resistance and skill gaps to ethical concerns and biased algorithms.
Why HR Needs a Seat at the AI Table
HR leaders play a vital role in preparing employees for the age of AI. Their responsibilities go beyond recruitment and payroll—they’re central to:
- Upskilling and reskilling programs to address AI-related skill gaps
- Change management and communication to build a culture of adoption
- Ethical oversight to ensure AI tools are fair and unbiased
- Workforce planning to integrate humans and machines effectively
- Designing future roles in an AI-augmented environment
Without HR at the table, companies risk deploying AI without people readiness, which can ultimately derail digital transformation efforts.
The Path Forward: A Collaborative Strategy
To truly benefit from AI, organizations must foster cross-functional collaboration, where HR, IT, and business leaders work together. The Harvard report suggests that HR’s strategic input is essential not only for adoption but also for sustaining AI-driven growth.
Forward-thinking organizations are already taking steps:
- Appointing Chief People and AI Officers
- Creating interdisciplinary AI ethics boards
- Embedding AI literacy into leadership development programs
These efforts reflect a growing recognition that AI strategy is as much about people as it is about technology.
Final Thoughts
As businesses race to implement AI solutions, they cannot afford to leave HR behind. This report is a wake-up call for enterprises to elevate the role of HR in AI decision-making, ensuring that innovation is both human-centered and sustainable.
