At the recent Unleash World Conference in Paris, global HR analyst and thought leader Josh Bersin, Global Analyst & CEO, The Josh Bersin Company delivered a keynote presentation that explored the evolving landscape of AI in HR and how companies can leverage it to navigate the future of work. His talk titled “The AI Revolution: Shaping the Future of HR” emphasised the importance of adapting to changing workforce dynamics and using AI to enhance productivity, drive better decision-making, and ultimately transform the employee experience.
Claire Harrison, Managing Director of Harrisons, attended the keynote, gaining valuable insights into how businesses can embrace AI to elevate their HR strategies and foster a more agile and productive workforce.
The Impact of AI on Workforce Disruption
Bersin began his presentation by addressing a critical issue facing businesses today: workforce disruption. With low unemployment rates, declining birth rates, and a flat workforce growth in many regions, companies are grappling with challenges in maintaining productivity. According to Bersin, AI and emerging technologies are essential tools in addressing this disruption by helping businesses enhance productivity, redesign organisational structures, and foster employee engagement.
“AI and technology aren’t just disrupting industries, they’re fundamentally transforming how we think about work,” Bersin said. He noted that businesses are moving away from traditional models of scaling through headcount alone. Instead, they are embracing AI to optimise processes, enhance employee experiences, and build more resilient organisations.
AI Trailblazers: Leading Innovation in HR
Bersin introduced the concept of “AI Trailblazers,” a group of pioneering companies that are redefining HR practices through innovative AI solutions. These trailblazers are leading the way in areas such as recruitment, employee experience, learning and development, and performance management. Bersin highlighted several companies and their AI-driven products that exemplify the transformative power of AI in HR:
- Eightfold AI: A pioneer in talent intelligence, Eightfold AI uses advanced data analytics and AI algorithms to identify skills, promote internal mobility, and recommend career paths for employees. Bersin praised Eightfold for its ability to offer end-to-end recruitment, talent management, and leadership assessment solutions.
- Cornerstone Galaxy: By integrating AI-powered skills-based talent management into its platform, Cornerstone Galaxy offers a seamless user experience that supports career mobility, compliance management, and performance evaluation. This end-to-end solution is a game-changer for companies looking to leverage skills-based frameworks.
- Arist Creator and Teammate: A leader in AI-powered corporate learning, Arist uses AI to generate entire courses from content sources, enhancing the scalability and adaptability of learning systems.
These trailblazing companies demonstrate how AI can redefine the way HR operates and drive tangible business outcomes.
From Disruption to Opportunity: Embracing AI in HR
Bersin explained that while AI brings both excitement and uncertainty, it also offers immense opportunities for companies willing to adapt. He stressed the importance of being proactive in integrating AI into HR processes and not waiting until disruption forces a reactive response. “AI is no longer a nice-to-have,” he noted. “It’s a strategic necessity for businesses looking to stay competitive and drive growth.”
For instance, AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can enhance human capabilities, allowing employees to become “Super Workers” who can achieve more with less effort. These tools not only automate mundane tasks but also provide deeper insights into organisational data, helping leaders make better decisions and focus on what truly matters.
Bersin also discussed how core HR technology platforms like SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM, and Workday are rapidly integrating AI features to improve user experience and productivity. He emphasised that AI-powered tools are transforming how businesses approach recruitment, learning and development, performance management, and employee engagement.
The Evolution of the Employee Experience
One of the key themes of Bersin’s presentation was the evolution of employee experience (EX) in the age of AI. As AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants become more sophisticated, businesses can create more personalised and responsive employee experiences. Bersin cited the example of Providence Health’s employee chatbot, which provides real-time access to HR information for employees and clinicians, making it easier to roll out new programs and improve engagement.
AI tools like Visier’s Vee and The Josh Bersin Company’s Galileo are leading the way in conversational interfaces for HR. These tools allow employees to ask questions about everything from benefits to development opportunities, creating a more seamless and engaging EX. “The future of employee experience is AI-powered and conversational,” Bersin said. “And it demands a systemic approach to integrating these tools into the broader EX strategy.”
Pragmatic Use of Skills Technology
Bersin also touched on the importance of using skills technology pragmatically. While the market is flooded with AI-powered skills platforms, he cautioned against trying to create universal skills taxonomies. “Focus on the skills that matter for your business,” he advised. “Don’t get caught up in overcomplicating skills frameworks—be pragmatic and solve the specific problems that need solving.”
AI-driven talent marketplaces and internal mobility platforms, like those offered by Gloat and Eightfold AI, are helping companies build more agile and adaptable workforces. These platforms enable employees to explore new career paths, take on gig work or stretch assignments, and develop new skills, all within the organisation.
Claire’s Top 5 Takeaways from Josh Bersin’s Keynote
After attending the keynote presentation, Claire reflected on the key takeaways for businesses looking to embrace AI in HR:
- Invest in AI Strategically: AI isn’t just about automation, it’s a strategic tool for enhancing productivity, employee experience, and decision-making. Identify where AI can have the most impact in your organisation and invest accordingly.
- Leverage Talent Intelligence: Use AI-driven talent intelligence platforms to identify skills gaps, promote internal mobility, and provide personalised career paths for employees. This not only improves retention but also enhances organisational agility.
- Focus on Employee Experience: AI-powered EX tools can create more personalised and responsive experiences for employees. Consider implementing chatbots or virtual assistants to streamline access to information and support.
- Be Pragmatic with Skills Technology: Don’t overcomplicate your skills frameworks. Focus on solving specific challenges and using AI to enhance skills-based hiring, development, and performance management.
- Embrace a Systemic Approach: AI integration requires a holistic and systemic approach. Collaborate with IT and other departments to ensure AI tools are seamlessly integrated into your broader business strategy.
AI as a Strategic Necessity in HR
Josh Bersin’s keynote at Unleash World underscored the transformative power of AI in reshaping HR and the future of work. From driving better decision-making to enhancing employee experience, AI is no longer just an innovative addition—it’s a strategic necessity for companies looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic landscape.
If you’d like to discuss how HR tech and AI could be better utilised in your business please contact Harrisons on 1300 001 447.
Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, a flourishing HR consulting business that sprouted in 2009 from Claire’s passionate belief that inspiring leaders and superstar employees are the key success factor to any business. With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multi-national organisations, as a Non-Executive Board Director, and a small business owner. Claire’s corporate career includes working with companies such as BHP, Westpac, Fonterra and Mayne Nickless.
