Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have led to its adoption across numerous industries—and human resources (HR) is no exception.
With a better understanding of AI's evolving place in HR and the role of a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program in preparing you to work with AI in HR, you may better determine the next steps for your career.
Understanding AI's Role in HR
As AI technology has progressed, so has its role in human resources, paving the way for a shift from traditional, manual processes to data-driven solutions.
The Evolution of AI in Human Resources
While AI may be making the biggest strides in HR today, it has been used in other capacities for many years—mostly for the automation of repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Today, as technology advances at a rapid pace with a growing influence on HR functions, AI is leveraged for everything from recruitment to personalizing employee training and development.
Key AI Technologies Transforming HR Practices
A number of AI technologies are currently taking the HR world by storm, including:
- Machine learning, which helps analyze resumes and identify potential candidates for an open position.
- Natural language processing, which can be used to generate job descriptions for recruitment purposes.
- Chatbots, which can provide employees with essential information about the company (such as policies, leave time, and more).
The Impact of AI on HR Functions
AI technology in human resources has also had a profound impact on various HR functions with its ability to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and enable more strategic and informed decision-making.
Enhancing Recruitment with AI Tools
More HR professionals are beginning to use AI for recruitment purposes to screen applicants, analyze resumes, and match candidates to open roles. By using this technology to streamline the recruitment process, HR professionals can free up their valuable time while potentially reducing bias and improving the quality of new hires.
Automating Administrative Tasks for Efficiency
Working in HR means taking on some administrative tasks, but AI technology in human resources is now making it possible to automate everything from onboarding and payroll to benefits administration. This, in turn, is clearing more of HR professionals' schedules so they can focus on other tasks like strategic initiatives.
Personalizing Employee Learning and Development
In addition, AI is now being used to custom-tailor learning, training, and development programs to individual employee needs and preferences. This can lead to increased engagement and skill acquisition among employees, which is a win-win for everybody.
The Role of M.L.S. Programs in AI Preparedness
In many ways, HR professionals would benefit from an M.L.S. when it comes to navigating the legal and ethical complexities of AI implementation in the workplace.
Understanding Legal and Ethical Implications
First, a Master of Legal Studies education can provide HR professionals with critical knowledge of employment law, regulations, and ethical considerations that are essential for using AI responsibly in the field. This can thereby help HR professionals make decisions that create more welcoming and inclusive environments for employees.
Data Privacy and Security
Meanwhile, an M.L.S. can equip students in the program with the skills they need to manage employee data securely while ensuring HR AI compliance regulations. Because many AI technologies rely on collecting large amounts of data to automate tasks, knowing how to keep information secure is a must in the evolving HR field.
Regulatory Compliance
Speaking of compliance, a Master of Legal Studies program will also cover emerging, AI-specific regulations in detail while providing crucial training in risk management to HR professionals. This can help these professionals remain in compliance with the latest legal requirements and know how to stay informed about future changes in regulations.
Discrimination and Bias Prevention
Despite how far it has come in recent years—even boasting features that may foster more objective hiring processes—AI remains far from perfect. In fact, biases in AI algorithms are a concern, especially in HR. With the knowledge gained from an M.L.S. program, HR professionals can better understand the significance of anti-discrimination laws and the various methods for detecting and mitigating biases in AI algorithms. All of this can lead to HR practices that are fairer for everyone.
Contract and Vendor Management
Another responsibility that HR professionals and HR leaders must prepare to take on is negotiating and managing contracts with AI vendors. This will require an in-depth understanding of contract law and service-level agreements (SLAs), both of which are covered throughout an M.L.S. degree program.
Policy Development and Implementation
As HR professionals develop new policies that rely on AI, they need to also make sure these policies follow ethical and legal AI use. With the training on AI governance and internal compliance programs in an M.L.S. program, HR professionals can perform these tasks with greater confidence.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
When legal disputes related to AI do arise in the workplace, HR professionals might also be responsible for handling these. Disputes may relate to claims of algorithmic data bias or even data breaches, so HR professionals must be able to handle and manage legal documentation effectively. Fortunately, this is a skill that can be learned as part of an M.L.S. program.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
Finally, M.L.S. graduates have the knowledge and understanding needed to influence AI-related policies and regulations in their respective workplaces and beyond. By participating in industry forums as well as advocating for ethical AI practices within their organizations and the industry as a whole, HR professionals with an M.L.S. background can use their education to change the field for the better.
Preparing HR Professionals for AI Integration
For human resources professionals working at organizations that are preparing for AI integration, there are several steps they can take to enhance their AI readiness—ranging from acquiring essential competencies to navigating key legal and ethical considerations.
Essential AI Competencies for HR Specialists
HR leaders should possess certain core skills and competencies in order to effectively leverage AI in the workplace, including:
- Data literacy to understand the massive volumes of data that AI uses to execute tasks.
- An in-depth understanding of AI algorithms.
- Change management skills to prepare organizations for AI implementation and the nuances that come with it.
Legal and Ethical Considerations of AI in HR
Additionally, HR professionals must understand the inherent legal and ethical implications of AI in HR. Unfortunately, it has been seen time and time again how ethical lapses can damage a company's reputation and lead to severe legal repercussions. Consider, for example, a 2023 lawsuit brought against UnitedHealthcare over an AI model that is alleged to have unfairly denied healthcare coverage to elderly patients.
Navigating the Future: AI Trends in HR
Although AI has already had a considerable impact on the human resources field, the reality is that as new trends and technologies emerge, it will only continue to shape the landscape of this industry.
Predictive Analytics for Talent Management
In the coming years, it is possible that predictive analytics will be able to help HR professionals make proactive decisions about everything from talent acquisition to development and retention.
The Rise of AI-Driven Employee Experience Platforms
Meanwhile, AI-powered platforms can already help enhance employee engagement. As these technologies advance, there is a great deal of potential for them to improve employee well-being, job satisfaction, and overall experience within the organization.
How will an M.L.S. program equip me for AI challenges in HR?
An M.L.S. program with a dedicated HR curriculum can prepare HR professionals to navigate the complex legal and ethical issues that inherently accompany AI adoption. Specifically, this includes an in-depth understanding of regulatory HR and AI compliance standards, litigation resolution, contract negotiation, and data privacy and security.
What are the top AI tools currently used in HR?
Some of the most popular AI tools being used in HR today include:
- Machine learning to analyze resumes and identify potential candidates for open roles.
- Natural language processing to generate job descriptions for recruitment purposes.
- Generative AI for conducting performance reviews.
- Chatbots that offer information for employees about company policies, leave time, and more.
Are there ethical concerns with using AI in HR?
Ethical concerns exist with any new technology, and AI is no exception. From concerns regarding algorithmic bias and data privacy to issues surrounding transparency, a background in legal studies can empower HR professionals to navigate these issues in their work.
How can HR professionals stay updated on AI advancements?
The world of AI is constantly changing and evolving—so much so that it can be difficult to keep up. Fortunately, there are practical ways to stay ahead of the curve on AI trends and advancements as they relate specifically to HR.
Attending industry events (such as workshops, conferences, and webinars) and reading reputable industry publications (like the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM) are some ideal ways to stay informed. Likewise, pursuing online courses or even an M.L.S. degree can help you stay on top of advancements in the industry as they occur.
Prepare for AI Technology in Human Resources with a Master of Legal Studies
There is no denying the impact that AI has already had on the HR field, especially when it comes to automating manual tasks while enhancing training and recruitment. At the same time, HR professionals need to be prepared to navigate the complexities and challenges of working with AI productively and ethically.
An online Master of Legal Studies degree program can prepare HR professionals to integrate AI into their work and leverage it to their full advantage. The University of Miami School of Law is proud to offer an online M.L.S. curriculum with a dedicated HR track to suit students’ needs. Plus, with the program's part-time, flexible scheduling options, you can work toward your degree without putting your life on hold.
Get in touch to learn more about an M.L.S. degree program at the University of Miami School of Law. If you're ready, you may also begin your online application.
Sources
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/MLS/
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/curriculum/#hr
https://news.miami.edu/law/stories/2024/05/mls-employment-law-and-hr.html
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-in-hr
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266709682300054X
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13347-022-00543-1
