# The Urgent AI Tasks for HR

## Charter strategy briefing memo, July 2023

In our first briefing on “The AI Mandate for HR” we laid out frameworks for addressing what artificial intelligence means from a talent lens. With this second strategy briefing memo, we’re giving you a roadmap for the most urgent tasks to tackle. Throughout this series, we’re encouraging you to lead a structured, people-centered approach to the adoption of AI tools. Our frameworks are rooted in research and the key practices of change management.

We’ve spoken with people leaders who’re opting to take a “fast-follower” approach, adopting policies restricting the use of generative AI tools in their workplaces and waiting to learn from early adopter peers. Other HR leaders haven’t yet found the time to build their experience or confidence with AI tools, and aren’t playing a role in strategic planning around AI usage in their organizations. We’d recommend a different approach, with more urgency, for some key reasons:

1. Your teams are already using AI tools. Nearly half of managers and 20% of frontline employees report using generative AI tools at least weekly, according to a recent BCG survey.
2. This is the moment to build a foundation of knowledge, policies and communication, systems, and culture that support the multi-year implications that AI will have on your budgeting, talent approach, and business strategy.

With that in mind, in the following pages of this briefing you’ll find a guide to the four-point framework for tackling the most urgent tasks.

### Framework 1: Increase your organization’s AI aptitude

The first, urgent step is to develop familiarity and confidence in using generative AI tools. For yourself, we recommend:

- Start with ChatGPT (for text) and Dall-E (for images) and make an effort to use them on a daily basis to assist with your work. Some good tasks include asking the tool to write a job description, draft a memo, or edit a document.
- Sign up for a free newsletter like Inside AI to keep track of developments in how organizations are using AI.
- Take a short course to better understand how AI works, such as the offering from DeepLearning.AI.

For your organization, we recommend holding training sessions to ensure that everyone is introduced to the tools. Create a group on your enterprise messaging platform for people to share tips and ask questions about using them.

### Framework 2: Establish the groundwork for sustainable experimentation

Define your AI philosophy. In the same way that values are established at an organization, it’s imperative that HR leaders drive the co-creation of an AI philosophy with their key stakeholders.  This philosophy should:

- Leverage automation programs designed responsibly, ethically, and equitably wherever possible to augment employees, not replace them.
- Foster a culture of curiosity and experimentation.

### Framework 3: Mobilize your people to drive AI innovation

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has emphasized the importance of seeding your organization with pilot ideas and seeking input to apply generative AI effectively. Companies should encourage their employees to experiment with these tools within the guidelines they’ve set and create opportunities for exploration.

**For individuals:**  
- Host training sessions and share learnings.  
- Offer rewards for employees who identify potential generative AI use cases for the company.  
- Dedicate days for AI learning.

**For enterprise:**  
- Define your AI goals with your executive team and stakeholders. Each pilot idea should have a clear business use case.

### Framework 4: Plan for the future

Proactivity and preparation will set the stage for success. The steps that you and your organization take today will be the building blocks for an AI-adept workplace. These steps should be thoughtful, experimental, collaborative, and grounded in values and policy that uplift employees.

AI should enhance what people can achieve, and HR leaders must be at the forefront of that change. With vision and oversight, organizations can start unlocking the potential benefits of AI through discovery, partnership between humans and technology, and strategies that empower and inspire workers.