The Role and Value of HR Teams in the AI Era

In today's rapidly changing business environment, AI adoption has become a critical starting point for enterprise transformation. As AI technology proliferates, companies are no longer focused solely on whether to adopt AI, but on how to effectively realize its value. Microsoft HR Director Gong Xuan posed a question worth pondering: "If AI can answer more employee management-related questions, what exactly is the role of the HR team?"

AI and HR Interaction

Gong noted that as information becomes more accessible, employees can adapt to new work models more quickly and take charge of their own learning and development. Managers can also identify team capability gaps more rapidly, without waiting for reports. She emphasized that the challenge organizations face lies not only in finding information, but in locating the right expertise and talent. The introduction of AI enables employees to more easily discover needed knowledge and build connections, thereby facilitating faster organizational action.

AI ROI and the Future of HR

According to Microsoft's latest 2026 Work Trend Index, talent and organizational factors play a critical role in realizing AI ROI. Gong pointed out that AI's value lies not only in boosting efficiency, but in helping organizations quickly turn insights into action, enhancing workforce planning and fostering collaboration. She believes that the future role of HR teams will no longer be purely administrative support, but will shift to higher-level strategic advisors, focusing on workforce planning, employee skills training, and improving organizational operational performance.

Driven by AI, HR teams will be able to more effectively assist employees in planning career development and provide needed professional guidance. AI enables employees to take a more proactive grasp of personal growth, and helps management make talent decisions based on more complete information. Gong emphasized that the introduction of AI will not replace the value of HR teams; rather, it will elevate them to become strategic partners of the enterprise, helping realize the business value of AI.