Let the AI agents in: why it’s time for HR to lead with AI
For years, automation in HR simply meant speeding up routine tasks like processing payroll or reviewing vacation requests. Now, automation is converging with AI, and it’s radically reshaping how HR teams operate, make decisions, and deliver value.
Whether it’s using AI agents (digital assistants that act within workflows) to automatically handle HR tasks and assist in decision-making, or tapping into agentic AI more generally, where systems can adapt, reason, and act independently in increasingly complex contexts, a major shift is already underway.
According to Gartner, 26% of HR leaders say they’re already operating with an AI-first model and it’s predicted that 60% of HR tasks will be completed through an intelligent agent interface by 2030.
So where is AI making the biggest difference in HR right now? And what does this new AI-focussed approach mean for HR leaders thinking about the future?
HR has entered the (strategic) chat
One of the most meaningful shifts AI is driving in HR is the move from administration to strategy. HR has long been seen as a back-office function: essential but not central to business decisions. Not anymore.
Instead of just processing data, HR leaders can now use AI and automation to gather real-time insights on everything from employee engagement to staff flight risk. These tools help interpret data at scale, uncovering patterns that would take weeks to spot manually.
They can even model the likely impact of key decisions before they’re made, and help guide learning investments.
With these kinds of deep-level insights at hand, HR leaders are able to step forward and influence company-wide strategy, in many cases for the first time.
Top uses of AI in HR
AI is being applied across almost every corner of HR, but some of the clearest and most immediate impacts are happening across the employee lifecycle, where AI tools are already improving both the speed and quality of decision-making.
Talent acquisition is one of the most advanced areas. AI can screen applications, rank candidates based on role fit, and even tailor interview questions. This frees up time for recruiters to focus on the more human side of hiring.
Onboarding is also getting smarter. AI agents can guide new hires through personalized onboarding journeys, answer common questions, and ensure key steps aren’t missed.
In established teams, AI is helping with retention and performance management. With the right systems in place, AI agents can flag trends that HR teams can act on sooner – such as a spike in signs of burnout, or an opportunity to recognize high performance before it’s missed.
In learning and development, AI helps identify skills gaps, recommend training paths, and adapt learning content to how people actually learn. It’s making upskilling more relevant and way more efficient.
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Putting the human back in HR
However, the benefits of agentic AI in HR go beyond efficiency. AI is helping HR teams lean into the parts of our roles that matter most: empathy, leadership, and culture-building. By taking care of all the tedious, repeatable tasks, AI agents free up time for the work that truly requires human judgment.
That approach is already delivering results. By combining no-code automation with AI using Make, businesses like FranklinCovey have made major improvements across their operations, especially in HR.
The coaching company’s Global CIO, Blaine Carter, recently shared how they were able to “take a major HR process that used to take one person 30 days each year and reduce it to just two hours.” Not only did it save hundreds of hours, it gave the HR team space to focus on more fulfilling work.
It’s a clear reminder that AI agents aren’t here to replace HR teams; they’re here to act as our co-pilots, enabling us to do our jobs better.
Let the AI agents in
It’s this mindset shift that perhaps matters most of all right now.
Rather than worrying about being replaced, HR leaders need to start thinking of AI – especially dedicated AI agents – as partners. These tools are giving us space to focus on strategy, and to rediscover the rewarding parts of our role that admin-heavy processes have long pushed aside.
The reality is that AI isn’t coming, it’s here. And it’s already becoming a core capability for high-performing HR teams. The future of HR will undoubtedly be powered by intelligent systems that work alongside us, enabling more personalized, data-driven decisions at every stage of the employee experience.
HR leaders who embrace AI now, letting AI agents into decision-making, employee support, and everyday workflows, will position their teams for stronger growth, better retention, and more meaningful employee experiences in 2026 and beyond.
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