The Human Touch in HR: How Technology Can Deepen Human Connections

Over the past year, AI technology has generated some hype, with many seeing it as the biggest driver of digital transformation in the modern business world. AI has the ability to streamline complex processes and support new methodologies for workplace success, revolutionizing how we do business. This digital revolution has impacted HR as well, as AI has been embraced to keep up with wider changes in business and society, including mounting employee expectations. Yet, while AI’s potential cannot be denied, we must take care to ensure that the all-important human element isn’t lost as we adopt this cutting-edge technology. For HR to be truly effective, maintain empathy and strong interpersonal connections in this increasingly digitalized world.

The Importance of the Human Touch 

Employee engagement has been on the decline for the last several years, and while it is slowly recovering, many still feel disconnected from their organization’s mission and purpose. As such, it is important not to lose sight of the value of human connection, especially in our increasingly digital world. Though technology can help bring us together in many ways, fostering effective teamwork and meaningful relationships requires a commitment to authentic, in-person communication. 

Building this type of rapport requires empathy, authenticity, and emotional intelligence, along with the ability to recognize a person’s boundaries and preferences. It also requires HR experts to create an environment that encourages open communication, providing ample opportunities for social interaction and team building. This is one area where technology can help enhance human connection, as video conferencing and other forms of digital communication can create new opportunities to stay connected. No matter what methods you use, however, it is important to maintain those human connections, as empathy and support from our peers go a long way toward navigating the challenges of the workplace. 

I’ve experienced this myself many times. For instance, once, I was approached by a colleague working on a critical strategic project designed to transform the company. Yet after months of hard work and considerable effort to secure executive buy-in, the project had been scrapped, leaving her physically and emotionally drained. When she came to me, I pulled up a chair, not as the HR leader but as a fellow human being. We talked about her dreams, anxieties, and hopes for the future, offering a shoulder and a cup of coffee, not a policy manual or reasons behind the corporate decisions. This simple act of human connection made all the difference that day.

Balancing AI with Human Connection

So, how do we maintain these human connections in the digital business world? First and foremost, we must realize that technology can be a means of deepening these connections. It all comes down to how these technologies are implemented: automation has the potential to replace human interaction, but it can also streamline our daily tasks and create more time to collaborate face-to-face on more meaningful and strategic work, whether in-person or online. We simply need to be mindful that we aren’t automating tasks that benefit from human interaction and insight. 

Perhaps most importantly, HR and technology leaders alike need to listen to their employees and understand their concerns. While new and long-time employees want access to the tools necessary for the job, many employers fail to win them over in terms of how the technology is implemented. Rather than simply adopting AI and other technologies for the sake of it, find ways to tie it back to the core experiences of your employees, providing self-service tools and resources to make their lives better. Technology can facilitate positive relationships, but only if they are employee- and customer-centric, prioritizing connection, comfort, and culture.

Conclusion

AI adoption is only going to increase in 2024, so as we move towards a more digital workplace, HR professionals need to work to find a balance between technology and the human element. Going forward, HR professionals must prioritize empathy and interpersonal connections in their work. HR is instrumental in reinforcing the values that form the core of the organization, and while technology can enhance these efforts, they need to be applied through a human-centric lens. After all, our employees and colleagues aren’t just workers but friends, mentors, and confidantes. When you consider how technology can support these relationships rather than replace them, you can work to create an environment where innovation thrives, and employees are champions of the company's mission.