Embracing AI for Enhanced HR Leadership, learnings from the Friends of CDR Event

Two members of the SRI Executive team, Colm Ashe and Ciara Murphy, had the pleasure of attending this year’s Friends of CDR (Career Development Roundtable). The event, hosted by Eva Murciano and Matthias Will along with their teams, gathered HR practitioners from EU and UN institutions, as well as select private sector experts.

The focus was on "How AI Enables International Organisations to Augment Leadership, Attract and Retain Talent, Up-skill and Re-skill Staff, Create Agility and Care for Clients."

The event featured workshop-style sessions and brainstorming conversations, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in reshaping organisational processes and strengthening leadership.

 Two key themes stood out to the SRI team:

1. AI will empower HR to significantly reduce the time spent on transactional tasks, transforming the department into a highly strategic partner within organisations
2. The Boundless Potential of AI for International Organisations

Transforming HR Functions into Strategic Partners

Throughout the workshops, both development organisations and private companies showcased their innovative models for talent development and recruitment. These sessions demonstrated how various organisations are leveraging AI to refine these processes. One of the most intriguing aspects was the introduction of custom GPT models developed for internal use. These models, tailored to the specific needs and contexts of individual organisations, are revolutionising how talent is identified, engaged, and nurtured. By utilising AI, organisations can now predict candidate success with greater accuracy, streamline onboarding processes, and provide personalised development pathways for employees.

Shifting Perceptions of HR Functions

The SRI team observed a significant shift in the role of HR functions within organisations. While HR has traditionally been viewed as a transactional function focused on administrative tasks and compliance, it is now evolving into a strategic partner crucial to shaping the future of the organisation. This evolution is driven by the adoption of AI technologies, which free HR professionals from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Leveraging AI for HR Transformation

AI-powered tools are facilitating this transformation by providing HR teams with deeper insights into workforce dynamics, employee engagement, and talent management. These tools help HR teams anticipate future skills needs, design effective up-skilling and re-skilling programmes, and foster a culture of continuous learning and development. As a result, HR is becoming more proactive and forward-looking, contributing to the overall agility and resilience of the organisation. By leveraging AI tools, organisations can offer more personalised and responsive services, enhancing employee satisfaction. AI-driven analytics enable organisations to better understand both organisational and employee needs and preferences, allowing them to tailor their services and interactions accordingly.

Conclusion

The Friends of CDR event underscored the limitless possibilities of AI in transforming HR functions into strategic partners within international organisations. By embracing AI, HR teams can move beyond transactional tasks, contributing significantly to the strategic goals and future success of their organisations. As AI continues to advance, the role of HR will undoubtedly become even more integral to organisational growth and development.