Huge Numbers of Managers Admit to Using AI for Performance Reviews
A recent survey has revealed that a staggering 60% of managers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to draft or revise employee performance reviews. While this trend highlights the growing role of technology in the workplace, it has also ignited concerns about the future of human resources (HR) and the erosion of the human touch in critical organizational processes.
The Rise of AI in Performance Reviews
AI tools like ChatGPT have become popular among managers for their ability to save time, ensure consistency, and reduce emotional bias in performance evaluations. These platforms analyze employee data, identify patterns, and generate polished, seemingly objective reviews. For managers juggling multiple responsibilities, AI offers a convenient solution to a traditionally time-intensive task.
However, this reliance on AI raises important questions about authenticity. Performance reviews are more than just assessments—they are personal interactions that can shape an employee’s career and morale. When AI replaces human judgment, the process risks becoming impersonal and transactional, stripping away the empathy and nuance that make feedback meaningful.
The Erosion of the Human Element in HR
Performance reviews are designed to foster communication and strengthen relationships between managers and employees. When AI takes over, the authenticity of these interactions diminishes. Employees may feel their contributions are reduced to data points rather than being genuinely understood and appreciated.
Additionally, AI systems are not immune to bias. While they may reduce human prejudice, they can also perpetuate biases present in their training data, leading to unfair evaluations and further disengagement among employees.
Is Traditional HR at Risk?
The use of AI in performance reviews is part of a broader trend of automation in HR, from recruitment to employee engagement. While this can improve efficiency, it also threatens the human-centric focus that has long been the foundation of HR. Traditional HR is about understanding people, supporting their growth, and building a positive workplace culture. If AI dominates these processes, HR risks becoming more about data and algorithms than about people.
Striking the Right Balance
The key to navigating this shift lies in finding a balance between technology and human connection. AI can be a valuable tool for HR professionals, but it should not replace empathy, intuition, and interpersonal communication. Managers must use AI to enhance, not replace, the personal touch in performance reviews.
As AI continues to transform HR, the challenge will be to ensure it enhances the human experience at work rather than diminishing it. By using technology thoughtfully, we can preserve the core values that make HR essential to organizational success.
