Adapting to AI in HR: Why Culture Comes First

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the workplace, from recruitment and workforce management to creating innovative solutions. Ruchi Kulhari, CHRO of Unisys, emphasizes that integrating AI into organizational operations requires HR to first focus on building a culture of learning and empowerment. With 79% of employees believing AI skills can accelerate career growth and 69% expecting AI to generate jobs, organizations must align their strategies to maximize both technology and human potential.

However, without the right approach, companies risk being left behind in the competitive landscape. HR professionals play a crucial role in ensuring their workforce is ready to embrace AI’s opportunities while fostering trust, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Analysis

1. Building a Culture of Continuous Learning

AI integration begins with a workforce that is both skilled and engaged. Ruchi Kulhari highlights the importance of training and education for employees at all levels. Companies must invest in leadership development programs and workforce-wide tech-enabled training to ensure employees understand how to leverage AI effectively.

At Unisys, for example, all employees undergo foundational AI training, followed by role-specific advanced programs. This approach promotes a culture of lifelong learning and ensures employees can adapt to changing technological landscapes.

What’s in it for HR:

Improved workforce capabilities to handle future challenges.
Stronger alignment between technological investments and employee engagement.

What’s in it for Employees:

Opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement.
Greater job security as they become proficient in high-demand AI tools.

2. Measuring Training Effectiveness

Simply implementing training programs isn’t enough. Kulhari advises organizations to use pre-and post-training assessments, annual engagement surveys, and even exit interviews to evaluate the success of their initiatives. These insights enable HR to refine training content, ensuring employees retain knowledge and apply it effectively.

What’s in it for HR:

Data-driven insights to improve training programs.
Enhanced ROI on learning and development initiatives.

What’s in it for Employees:

Tailored learning experiences to address skill gaps.
A clearer understanding of how training aligns with their career paths.

3. Encouraging Employee-Led Innovation

Organizations can foster innovation by creating platforms where employees share their AI successes. At Unisys, the AI Forum enables employees to discuss case studies and explore how AI can ease workloads and generate groundbreaking solutions.

What’s in it for HR:

A repository of real-world AI applications that can inform future strategies.
Increased collaboration across teams, driving innovation.

What’s in it for Employees:

A platform to showcase their expertise and ideas.
Recognition for their contributions to organizational success.

4. Creating a “Winning Culture”

HR leaders must move beyond traditional roles to build a “winning culture” centered on empowerment, accountability, and innovation. Kulhari explains that a culture of experimentation and agility allows employees to thrive, even during technological transitions.

What’s in it for HR:

Higher employee engagement and retention.
A more adaptive and resilient organization.

What’s in it for Employees:

A sense of ownership over their roles and contributions.
A supportive environment that values growth and creativity.

5. Leveraging AI for Recruitment and Retention

AI is transforming recruitment by enabling personalized outreach, predicting cultural fit, and enhancing retention strategies. Tools like LinkedIn Recruiter’s AI-powered InMail have doubled candidate response rates.

Kulhari envisions AI not just as a recruitment tool but as a way to forecast employee engagement and refine retention strategies. By integrating AI thoughtfully, companies can streamline workflows and focus on high-impact tasks.

What’s in it for HR:

Faster, more accurate hiring processes.
Insights into employee needs and potential turnover risks.

What’s in it for Employees:

Improved hiring experiences with better job matches.
Enhanced workplace satisfaction due to proactive HR strategies.

Conclusion: Embracing Change for Long-Term Success

HR professionals are at the forefront of AI adoption, shaping both workforce capabilities and company culture. By prioritizing education, fostering innovation, and building trust, HR can drive transformative change that benefits employees and organizations alike.

In 2025, companies that blend AI with a people-first approach will gain a competitive edge, achieving sustainable growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving business landscape.