In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the potential for innovation and transformation is immense. AI has ushered in opportunities to improve the way we live and work, particularly in the realm of Human Resources (HR) services. However, as governments around the world begin to regulate AI, concerns are emerging within the HR services industry that misguided regulations could hinder innovation and limit the possibilities AI offers for both workers and employers.
AI as a tool for progress
At its core, AI is a tool with the potential to create opportunities for people and businesses when used ethically and effectively. It has the capacity to enable workers to develop their skills throughout their careers and to recognize the untapped potential of countless individuals seeking entry into the workforce.
The HR services industry, which plays a pivotal role in shaping labor markets globally, sees AI as a job creator and an equalizer rather than a threat to jobs. AI has the potential to open doors for underrepresented groups, promoting diversity, gender equity, inclusion, and a more adaptive approach to how people choose to work and live.
The bright future of work with AI
The future of work looks promising with AI’s integration. However, achieving this vision requires fair regulation that encourages innovation and experimentation. As the European Union (EU) finalizes discussions on the AI Act, members of the World Employment Confederation (WEC) express growing concerns that ill-conceived regulation could stifle innovation and obstruct the potential benefits of AI for workers and employers.
AI: A diverse spectrum
It is evident that AI cannot be easily categorized. The EU’s inclination to classify AI in employment services as high-risk raises concerns among WEC members, who consider such a position unwarranted and detrimental to the industry. AI’s applications across various industries vary significantly, from chatbots to ranking and training. Treating all profiles under a single risk category lacks nuance.
Responsible and narrow AI use
The HR industry advocates for a responsible and narrow approach to AI usage. It welcomes policies requiring AI vendors to demonstrate that their algorithms for hiring decisions are free from bias. To reassure policymakers, WEC members are actively conducting algorithmic risk assessments, aligning with the possible final text of the AI Act to protect individuals’ fundamental rights.
Data protection and regulatory sandboxes
When utilizing staffing databases to develop AI algorithms for candidate-job matching, major staffing companies already operate under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules. These companies expect the same conditions to apply to AI use. In addition to data protection, WEC members anticipate receiving formal technical references and checklists for algorithm development and use. They also look forward to leveraging regulatory sandboxes to test AI solutions in safe yet innovative environments.
AI: A solution for labor shortages
The introduction of AI into our lives is no longer a question of if and when but of how best to utilize it. Ethical AI development within the HR services industry can address global labor and skills shortages effectively. AI empowers the industry to identify and match the skills needed in the present while enhancing training programs to help workers upskill and transition into the green economy of the future.
A human-centered approach to AI
For AI to contribute to filling today’s labor gaps and preparing the workforce for the future, it must be guided by a human-centered approach. Those responsible for AI’s use must have control to experiment safely, preventing unexpected harm while improving the lives of individuals and society.
The WEC Code of Ethical Principles
The World Employment Confederation’s Code of Ethical Principles emphasizes the ethical use of AI to facilitate workers’ journeys through the world of work and support both workers and employers. When applied to HR services, AI can make a substantial contribution to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion across Europe and worldwide. It is hoped that the EU AI Act will play a pivotal role in turning this vision into reality.
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