HR BYTES NEWSLETTER
April 2024
In this month's HR Bytes Newsletter, we're diving into the intriguing world where AI meets job salaries, exploring the practical applications of GPT-4, and unveiling
Microsoft's latest innovation—the Copilot key.
We provide actionable tips, emphasizing the perfect balance of cutting-edge technology and compassionate human touch.
Explore eye-opening HR tech insights from the recent Transform Conference, tune into engaging HR podcasts, discover the newest bookshelf selections, and mark your
calendars for important dates in April. Join us in celebrating the small wins as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work together.
The Essential Role of HR Tech Stack in Modern HR Practices
In today's fast-paced business world, HR faces numerous challenges, from recruitment to payroll management. A solid HR tech stack is crucial to navigate these tasks efficiently. It helps manage workflow across all HR areas, creating efficiencies and minimizing errors. Moreover, it meets employee expectations for seamless interactions with technology. When choosing HR tech, practitioners should prioritize time and cost savings, quality data analytics, security, and user-friendly experience. Avoiding pitfalls like lack of mobile accessibility and feature overload is essential. Overall, investing in HR tech enhances productivity, communication, compliance, and organizational success.
AI Won't Eat Your Job, but it will Eat Your Salary
While AI may not replace jobs, it could impact salaries by influencing the 'skill premium'—the extra value skilled workers bring. The article highlights potential changes in job tasks and the risk of commoditization due to AI. The impact of AI on this premium is explored through job task changes, value migration, and possible commoditization. The three sources of skill premium—skill advantages, learning advantages, and managerial advantages—are discussed.
Copyright Law, Fair Use, and the Future of AI
In a legal battle involving The New York Times, OpenAI, and Microsoft regarding the use of AI models and potential copyright issues, the article delves into the concept of fair use in copyright law. It sheds light on the differing perspectives of AI companies and those taking legal action. According to the author, Sree Sreenivasan, The New York Times is justified in seeking compensation, but he also suggests that they should secure a stake in the AI companies. Drawing parallels with past challenges faced by media companies with social media, the article emphasizes the need to learn from history. Transitioning to the realm of fashion, the article highlights the integration of AI into the industry. Sreenivasan encourages Black fashion designers to embrace AI tools promptly to stay competitive.
Microsoft Says A Copilot Key Is Coming To Keyboards On Windows PCs Starting This Month
Microsoft is adding a Copilot key to Windows PCs, letting users chat with a virtual assistant. It's a bit like the Windows key introduced in 1994. This Copilot thing uses AI from OpenAI's ChatGPT and can do human-like text, help with emails, answer questions, make images, and assist in writing Word documents. To get to Copilot, just hold down the Windows key and hit C. Microsoft hopes this will get more people to upgrade their PCs, which could mean more money for them. The Copilot key will be on new Microsoft Surface PCs.
More than half of workers say their paychecks aren’t keeping up with inflation
Many workers in the US feel their pay isn't enough to keep up with the increasing prices of things. More than half of adults think their paycheck isn't keeping pace with how expensive things are getting. This makes a lot of people worried about money. Some companies are trying to help by offering benefits like emergency savings plans and extra contributions to retirement funds. However, while salaries might not increase as fast this year, they're still expected to be higher than before.
Do you have any practical advice to share? We're curating articles on AI in HR & related HR Tech topics for the HR Bytes Newsletter and would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts/advice on the above topics to be included in our articles by writing to [info at hrgeckos dot com].
In the ever-evolving workplace landscape, HR professionals find themselves at the forefront of change, charged with the responsibility of navigating the uncharted territories of the new world of work. The dynamic nature of today's business environment demands a fresh approach, blending tradition with innovation and resilience with adaptability.
In this guide, we delve into actionable tips and tricks specifically crafted for HR professionals, offering insights that embrace change and empower HR leaders to drive positive transformations within their organizations.
Stay Informed, Stay Agile: Knowledge becomes the HR professional's greatest ally in a world where the only constant is change. Regularly update yourself on industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging workplace paradigms. Subscribe to our HR Bytes Newsletter and delve into HR tech articles. Explore forward-thinking content that will redefine your approach to HR strategies.
Embrace Technology, but Keep it Human: As HR embraces cutting-edge technology for streamlined processes, remember that the human touch remains irreplaceable. Leverage tech tools for efficiency, but always prioritize the personal connection. Balancing the digital and human elements ensures a workplace where innovation coexists with genuine employee engagement.
Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where communication is not just encouraged but celebrated. Establish channels for transparent feedback, constructive suggestions, and employee concerns. Open dialogue not only strengthens the bond between the workforce and HR but also provides valuable insights into the heartbeat of your organization.
Prioritize Employee Well-being: Amidst the flux of change, the well-being of your team is non-negotiable. Implement wellness programs, advocate for flexible work arrangements, and champion initiatives that foster a healthy work-life balance. A workforce that feels cared for is more likely to embrace and thrive amidst change.
Invest in Continuous Learning: Equip your HR team with the skills needed to navigate the future landscape. Encourage continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs. A team committed to personal and professional growth is a team well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Lead by Example: As an HR professional, you are the compass guiding your organization through change. Lead by example – showcase a positive attitude towards change, embrace challenges, and demonstrate adaptability. Your leadership sets the tone for the entire workplace.
Collaborate Across Departments: Break down silos and foster collaboration across various departments. Understanding the unique needs and goals of different teams enhances your ability to implement inclusive changes that benefit the entire organization.
Celebrate Small Wins: Amidst significant transformations, celebrate the smaller victories. Acknowledge and applaud every milestone achieved during the change process. Recognizing these moments not only boosts team morale but also provides the necessary motivation for the journey ahead.
Seek Employee Input: Inclusive decision-making is a powerful tool for navigating change successfully. Actively involve employees in the decision-making process – their insights are invaluable, and their engagement fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
Adaptability is Key: In a world where change is the only constant, adaptability is the cornerstone of success. Embrace change with a positive mindset, view challenges as opportunities, and continuously assess and adjust your strategies. As an HR professional, your adaptability defines not only your success but the success of your entire organization in the new world of work.
Fearful of AI in HR? How to Work Better with the Tech
Some people worry that Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Resources (HR) could make their jobs less important, a fear known as FOBO. However, the message is that we shouldn't be afraid because AI, especially generative AI, is not a threat. It can be a helpful ally, in enhancing HR work. To overcome this fear, the article offers practical tips, suggesting a continuous learning mindset, viewing AI as a partner, and emphasizing human strengths like understanding and creativity. It encourages getting familiar with AI, embracing change, and fostering innovation at work. The article concludes by advocating collaboration with AI to improve workplace efficiency, inclusivity, and overall friendliness.
2024 HR Tech Predictions: Headless platforms place HR Tech in the flow of work
In 2024, HR technology is predicted to take a significant leap with the rise of "headless" platforms. These platforms streamline HR processes without the need for a traditional user interface, making them more flexible and customizable. Instead of competing to be the main engagement system, various specialized solutions recognize their role as intermediaries between existing technologies. This shift towards headless systems is driven by the need to integrate seamlessly with different applications, moving HR tech into the daily workflow. For HR leaders preparing for this shift, cybersecurity measures are crucial to protect sensitive HR data. Customization and scalability become key as headless systems allow tailoring HR processes to an organization's unique needs, ensuring adaptability for future growth. Prioritizing user experience (UX) design enhances overall adoption rates and productivity. The move to headless HR systems is not just about technology but also about meeting employees where they prefer to engage. The interoperability of the HR technology stack becomes essential in delivering an efficient and personalized HR user experience.
Why aren’t HR pros relying on AI to assess hiring decisions yet?
Many HR professionals aren't using AI for hiring decisions. While AI is trusted for automating tasks and providing insights, only 12% of surveyed HR professionals have used it to evaluate candidates during talent-related decision-making. Concerns include fears of hidden bias, lack of explainability, and potential negative impacts on candidate perceptions. HR leaders, however, are open to using AI in other HR tasks like email communication, presentation creation, and sentiment analysis of employee surveys, aiming to free up time for more critical decisionmaking. Despite AI's potential, some HR professionals remain cautious about fully relying on it for hiring decisions.
Pre-flections on GenAI and HR: Where to Go and How to Get There
How the powerful tech called GenAI is changing how Human Resources (HR) works. GenAI has become popular for tasks like writing, but it's not just a game – it's transforming many industries. In HR, it's a big deal, and experts are figuring out how to use it better. The article suggests six things to consider, like valuing the info GenAI gives, using it to improve HR practices, and organizing it into categories. The goal is to use GenAI not just for basic stuff but to guide important decisions in HR. It also says that GenAI can create a big impact in HR by providing helpful information and guiding the future. It suggests actions like appreciating GenAI's value, using it to improve HR tasks, and managing any challenges that come with it.
The Future Of Work In The Age Of Generative AI: Insights From Davos
How Generative AI (gen AI) is rapidly transforming the future of work. It highlights the widespread adoption of gen AI, emphasizing its impact on various industries and roles. Human and machine intelligence integration is explored, emphasizing the potential productivity gains. The democratization of access to AI through natural language is noted as a significant benefit. The article acknowledges the dual nature of gen AI, presenting both opportunities and challenges. It stresses the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce to align with the demands of gen AI. The shift from job-centric to skill-centric models within organizations is deemed crucial. The need to rethink and redesign work for the gen AI age is emphasized, urging proactive efforts by companies.
Employees need AI skills — but what does that training look like?
Many workplaces are getting ready for the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). 90% of HR leaders expect that half of their employees will need to learn new skills in the next five years due to this AI revolution. This change isn't limited to a few companies but is happening across various industries. Employers are advised to communicate these changes to their employees, address any concerns, and make sure everyone acquires the skills needed for AI integration. Reskilling, in this context, isn't just about technical knowledge; it's also about fostering a willingness to learn and adapt. HR managers are encouraged to focus on the specific tasks that require new skills and to show employees how upskilling benefits both individuals and the organization. Actively involving employees in this process makes employers stand out and contributes to a strategy focused on future skills.
The Modern People Leader podcast, hosted by Daniel Huerta, is a weekly opportunity for HR professionals to learn how to navigate the contemporary HR landscape from CHROs, Chief People Officers, and other HR experts.
Of course, we are excited for Season 4 of our very own HR Bytes, where we share stories of HR trailblazers who are
redefining HR with a global mindset and local impact. Stay
tuned for Season 4, which is coming soon to your favorite
podcast channel.
Check out our most recent conversations on your favorite podcast channel or YouTube! https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.
We found some new reads to stay ahead of HR and the future of work trends! What is on your HR bookshelf this month?
HR Tech Strategy: Revolutionizing Employee Experience Through HR-Tech Synergy by Marlene de Koning (Kindle Edition) (January 2024)
The Digital Coaching Revolution: How to Support Employee Development with Coaching Tech 1st Edition by Anna Tavis (February 2024)
Top HR Practices for Startups by Michael Kennedy (February 2024)
People-centric Organizational Change: Engaging Employees with Business Transformation, 1st edition by Professor Julie Hodges (February 2024)
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HR Professionals, as you set sail into February, steer smoothly with a compliant course. Take a moment to review your checklist and mark key dates for a successful and comfortable month ahead!
1 April: Forms 1095-B, 1095-C e-filing deadline.
18 April: Tax Day
24 April: Administrative Professionals Day.
30 April: Quarterly Forms 941 & 720 due OSHA Summary comes down.
30 April: Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return.
As we say goodbye to March, our HR journey has been fascinating, exploring the balance between technology and human interaction. We've been diving into the latest HR tech trends, witnessing a shift from efficiency to focusing more on engaging employees deeply. By embracing advanced automation, we're not just using a tool; it's become a powerful guide leading us toward new opportunities in the ever-changing workplace. Stay motivated, stay curious, and let's work together to blend technology and human creativity to craft the exciting chapters ahead.
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