Rethinking HR in the Context of GenAI
The rapid rise of Generative AI (GenAI) has changed the pace at which businesses need to adopt new technologies. Accenture has recognized this seismic shift and doubled down by investing $3 billion in GenAI. But it’s the marriage between technology and the human side that will be critical to unlocking the full potential of GenAI. In short, it is both a new technology and also a new way of working.
Using the conversational insights platform, Natter, we recently hosted a series of research roundtables to gather the perspectives of 58 global CHROs on how their roles, functions and workforces need to evolve in the age of GenAI. Over 700 collaborative ideas were generated amongst the CHROs and summarized instantly, using Natter’s technology. Representing over 7.4 million employees, these HR leaders are clear that this is a crucial moment to guide their people through a transformation that will shape the future of work.
Evolving the CHRO into a tech leader
Traditionally, technology’s impact on HR has been seen as secondary to the focus on people. With GenAI now reshaping how every employee works and interacts, CHROs must also see their role as tech leaders, fully integrated into their organizations' broader strategies. As John Reid-Dodick, Chief People Officer at AlphaSense, puts it, “We must not underestimate how profoundly important the CHRO role is going to be at this moment.”
By partnering right across the C-Suite, CHROs can ensure HR is not only at the table but leading the conversation on how AI can enhance the employee experience and drive business growth. The research conversations hosted on Natter suggest that those who embrace GenAI as part of their strategic toolkit are better positioned to influence organization-wide decisions and lead with confidence in an AI-driven future.
Transforming the HR function with GenAI
The future of HR is intertwined with the future of GenAI. The challenge we face as HR leaders is to reimagine our roles and those of our teams. While no one is an expert in this space just yet, as leaders, we must navigate through this uncertainty with a sense of curiosity and confidence, embracing change rather than facing it with fear.
GenAI is automating and augmenting traditional tasks, fundamentally changing what it means to work in HR. The challenge for the CHRO is that we have to evolve the organization in HR and enable HR professionals to be more capable.
HR professionals must be ready to embrace these changes by upskilling and experimenting with GenAI tools. Whether it's using AI to streamline administrative tasks or enhance employee engagement, the HR function has an opportunity to lead by example. HR can demonstrate how automation frees up time for strategic, human-centered work. For instance, by delegating repetitive tasks to AI, HR teams can focus on building deeper connections with employees, enhancing culture, and driving talent development. We are learning by doing this within our own HR function at Accenture.
Upskilling the entire workforce
One of the most pressing responsibilities for the CHRO is preparing the workforce for what’s next. Every single role will be impacted by GenAI. This means that upskilling and reskilling the workforce is not a one-off effort but an ongoing process. At Accenture, we’ve already trained all our employees on GenAI, setting the stage for a workforce that’s ready to engage with this powerful tool. But for many organizations, the digital skills gap presents a significant challenge.
Natter’s data shows that fewer than 40% of HR leaders feel they get sufficient real-time feedback from their frontline teams to navigate change effectively. As CHROs, it’s our job to implement creative upskilling strategies that meet employees where they are. Whether it's training through podcasts or creating dedicated AI labs for experimentation, we must build a culture of continuous learning.
From experimentation to scale
The organizations that will lead in the GenAI era are those moving beyond experimentation and scaling their AI capabilities. We are already seeing this at Accenture, where we’ve begun to implement AI across our corporate functions including HR and marketing and are now focused on scaling what works. But scaling GenAI requires more than just tech implementation. It requires a mindset shift.
As organizations experiment with GenAI, HR must take a proactive role in managing change. It’s not just about deploying AI tools; it’s about aligning them with workforce needs and business outcomes. By doing this, we can create a culture of innovation that is not only willing to take risks but also able to pivot quickly when things don’t go as planned. Organizations that take measured chances, while keeping their values intact, will be the ones that thrive.
Leading with people and purpose
While GenAI is reshaping roles and boosting productivity, the human side of the equation cannot be overlooked. As CHROs, we are the stewards of culture, talent, and purpose. It’s our responsibility to ensure that technology is used to enhance, never diminish, the human experience of work. GenAI has the potential to create immense value, but only if we prioritize our people alongside our tech.
Organizations that succeed with GenAI will be those that balance automation with nurturing human skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we create opportunities for employees to not only upskill but to redefine and future-proof their own roles and capabilities.
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