How Akamai Balances AI Innovation and Inclusion in HR

HR in the AI Era: Akamai’s Approach and Insights

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers great potential in HR but also brings challenges, especially around inclusion. Akamai, a leader in cybersecurity and cloud computing, takes a cautious but proactive stance on AI adoption within HR functions.

Akamai’s AI Strategy

Sivan Baron, Israel HR Director at Akamai, explains that while AI boosts productivity and streamlines some tasks, it hasn’t replaced human roles yet. The company focuses on three main AI areas: enhancing products and user experiences, supporting AI applications on its platform, and defending against AI-driven cyber threats.

Akamai’s HR team uses AI features embedded in their cloud-based HR tools to assist employees with objective setting and other tasks. However, the company remains careful about over-relying on AI in people management, particularly to maintain fairness and inclusion.

AI Tools in Recruitment and Employee Management

• Akamai recently implemented a new cloud HR solution with native AI features that guide employees through goal setting and HR processes.
• For recruitment, AI is not used for candidate matching. Instead, AI supports technical candidate evaluation through tools that detect plagiarism, unauthorized software use, and suspicious activities during coding interviews.
• Two pilot programs are in progress: an AI chatbot offering 'neuro intelligence' to assist managers, and a step-by-step AI guide for HR tasks.

These tools aim to improve fairness and accuracy while preserving the human touch essential in HR.

Major Challenges Facing Akamai

Global economic and political uncertainties impact business and HR planning. Akamai actively manages risks like tariffs and customer concerns about recession. Security is a top priority as cybercriminals exploit AI, prompting Akamai to strengthen defenses and help customers adjust their security strategies.

Workforce Challenges from Security Situations

The ongoing war has affected Akamai’s workforce, with many employees serving in the military. This created resource gaps that required flexibility and support. The company responded with resilience workshops, mental health resources, and close leadership involvement to maintain productivity and employee well-being.

Adapting Workforce and Roles Due to AI

Akamai is expanding its AI portfolio, including AI inference solutions on public cloud and AI-powered security products. This shift has led to internal role adjustments, with some employees moving into AI development and support positions.

Global Workforce and Hiring Outlook

With 11,000 employees worldwide, including 750 in Israel, Akamai continues to grow its global team across 33 countries. Despite market uncertainties, there are no plans to reduce headcount. Instead, the company expects steady recruitment aligned with its cybersecurity and cloud computing goals.

In 2025 and 2026, Akamai plans to keep increasing personnel numbers to support its expanding AI and security initiatives.

Key Takeaways for HR Professionals

• Use AI to support, not replace, human decision-making—especially in recruitment and employee evaluation.
• Maintain vigilance around inclusion and fairness when deploying AI tools in HR processes.
• Prepare for external challenges like economic uncertainty and security risks with flexible workforce policies.
• Invest in employee well-being and resilience during times of crisis or disruption.
• Anticipate role shifts as AI capabilities grow, and support staff transitions to new skill sets.

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