Finesse

Remember when computers first entered the workplace? There was widespread fear that jobs would disappear as machines took over. But instead of people disappearing from the workforce, they evolved. Workers learned to collaborate with the technology, using it to simplify tasks and increase productivity. That shift marked the beginning of a new age, where technology didn’t replace people but empowered them. Today, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources and Machine Learning in HR, we find ourselves at a similar crossroads, but this time, the outcome feels less certain. Will AI empower workers as before, or will it replace them in some roles? Research from Boston Consulting Group shows that more than half of workers know these coming disruptions and are keen to reskill to stay relevant. A Gartner report adds that 69% of HR leaders expect AI and ML to significantly impact skills development, with 39% already using it to identify gaps and 31% planning to do so soon. Is th...

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are vital to fostering fairness, innovation, and high organisational performance. DEI promotes equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of background, and recognises that diverse teams drive business success. Critics argue that DEI initiatives favour candidates based on demographic characteristics rather than qualifications, potentially undermining merit. This focus on diversity could result in unqualified hires, as some believe that individuals might be selected to meet diversity targets rather than based solely on skills or performance. The “Equity” component of DEI, which emphasises fair access to resources and opportunities for individual needs, is often overlooked. Recent trends show that some organizations are scaling back on equity efforts. A study by Seramount reveals that 10% of companies have removed or de-emphasized the equity element in their DEI frameworks, which may not be the best decision. A merit-based DEI app...