AI Bot Fail - July 17, 2024

Beep, boop, bop. AI is calling! 🤖 If you’re looking for some HR inspo and the latest industry news and trends, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your cup of joe, and let’s dive right in.

In today’s edition: 

• The AI takeover, or not… →

• SHRM report changes →

• A freebie employee feedback form →

SPOTLIGHT

AI bot trial fails massively

Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, is known for launching an initiative of employing digital workers (ie: chatbots) and assigning them an onboarding program, and much more. She said in a blog post: “This marks a significant moment in the evolution of AI technology — the moment when the idea of an ‘AI employee’ moves from concept to reality in a system and into an org chart.”

That said, many HR workers didn’t welcome the new developments. The Verge reported a few responses which included:

• “I have questions. My biggest one: why??” — Hebba Youssef, Chief People Officer at Workweek

• “Based on my experience in and around AI and HR, it appears to me that we’ve skipped several steps.” — Amanda Halle, HR professional

• “This strategy and messaging misses the mark in a big way, and I say that as someone building an AI company.” — Sawyer Middeleer, Chief of Staff at Aomni

While AI developments have been extremely usefully incorporated into the working world, they were developed as an aid to the average worker, and not to completely replace them.

What’s your take? Let us know by replying to this mail.

— Joanna Zambas

NEWS THAT MATTERS

📝SHRM Drops “Equity” from its DEI Approach, Renames it to I&D

The leading HR association will be focusing on inclusion and diversity, quoting CEO Johnny Taylor, who believes “we need a world where inclusion is front and center”. [Fast Company]

⚖️ Ex-Honeywell Worker Can’t Claim Bias after Firing for Skipping DEI Training

The 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals held that the former employee has failed to show that the company behaved in a discriminatory and retaliatory manner against him. [HR Dive]

WEEKLY GIFT

Enhance your employee experience

Gathering feedback from your team members is an excellent way to make improvements that matter. The more you invest in understanding your employees’ needs and opinions, the more you can retain your strongest assets and attract more talent.

Another masterful HR gift coming your way next week :)

FEATURED RESOURCES

✉️ How to Write a Layoff Letter

📈7 Ways to Track Employee Performance

🌱How to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace

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Created with care by Chris Leitch, Joanna Zambas, and Electra Michaelidou.