Why Most HR Leaders Are Sidelined in AI Strategy Decisions

Only 1 in 5 HR Leaders Actively Involved in AI Strategy, Harvard Report Finds

New research from the Harvard Business Review shows that just 21% of HR leaders are actively engaged in shaping their organisation's AI strategy. Meanwhile, 30% have moderate involvement, and nearly half (49%) say HR leadership plays little to no role in AI-related decisions.

The main barrier? A widespread perception that HR lacks the technological expertise needed to contribute effectively. More than half (52%) of respondents identified insufficient AI knowledge within HR as the key challenge. Additionally, 32% pointed out the absence of a dedicated HR leader to drive AI initiatives, while many AI decision-makers reportedly do not consult HR at all on these matters.

The Strategic Role HR Could Play

Despite limited current involvement, HR is positioned to play a central part in guiding AI integration in the workplace. Experts highlight that HR leaders have a unique opportunity to connect AI deployment with business goals and labour implications.

One critical function for HR is addressing employee concerns about job security amid AI adoption. The report notes that while no single team can fully resolve these anxieties, HR is best placed to engage with employees at different stages of acceptance and help ease their fears. Jenn Galbraith, VP of Employee Success Product Management at Salesforce, emphasized that HR should lead this effort to help workers embrace AI.

Steps HR Leaders Are Taking

To break free from the perception that AI strategy is outside their scope, many HR leaders are focusing on upskilling and reskilling their workforce in AI-related skills. Currently, 54% are investing in employee training on AI. Others are encouraging cross-team collaboration with AI-skilled employees (38%) and recruiting new talent specialized in AI roles (29%).

Collaboration is increasing too. Some HR departments are working closely with their CIOs or CTOs to better understand the organisation’s AI roadmap. Training HR professionals to boost their AI knowledge and teaching how AI tools can be used at work are also gaining traction.

Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research and Advisory, warned that if HR doesn’t take a central role in AI strategy, organisations risk missing out on critical guidance throughout the transformation process.

Resources for HR Professionals

HR leaders seeking to build AI expertise can explore targeted training and courses to strengthen their skills and support their organisations better. For example, Complete AI Training offers various AI courses designed for HR professionals that cover practical applications and strategy integration.

By actively engaging with AI initiatives and boosting their understanding, HR leaders can move from the sidelines to the forefront of their organisation’s AI journey.