Fresh Thinking
The people side of AI transformation.
AI is changing how work gets done. Decisions about tools and technology also affect roles, leadership, capability, careers and culture.
HR, OD and L&D need to be part of those decisions from the start. This page brings together practical questions, articles and resources to help you understand the people implications and shape what happens next.
Why HR needs a seat at the table
When work changes, people need more than access to new technology. Organisations need to consider which tasks and decisions will change, what people will remain accountable for, how careers and learning pathways may evolve, what leaders need to do differently, and whether the culture supports people to learn, challenge, experiment and adapt.
Five questions to work through
How will the work change?
Tasks, roles, decisions, human oversight and career paths.
What will leaders need to do differently?
Leading uncertainty, delegating to AI, challenging outputs and remaining accountable.
What capabilities will people need?
AI skills alongside judgement, strategic thinking, creativity and collaboration.
What kind of culture will support this?
Trust, speaking up, experimentation, standards and learning from mistakes.
How will people be supported through change?
Honest conversations, resilience, changing roles, upskilling and transitions.
How ready is your organisation for this?
These five questions give HR, OD and L&D leaders a starting point for working with colleagues across the organisation to shape how AI changes work.
Coming soon
Is your organisation ready for the people changes AI may bring?
Use this checklist to identify what is clear, what needs more work, and which questions HR should raise with business and technology leaders.
Further reading
Three external starting points I recommend if you are at the beginning of this journey:
- Australian National AI Centre: Bring your people alongPractical Australian guidance on involving and supporting teams through AI change.
- AITD: Redefining Capability for an AI-Enabled WorkforceAn Australian L&D perspective on human, team and organisational capability.
- OECD: AI and skillsA broader evidence base on changing skills and access to learning.
How I can help
I work with HR and leadership teams on the leadership, capability, culture and change questions that arise as work evolves. That can include facilitating the conversations that need to happen, developing leaders and teams, and shaping practical approaches that fit your organisation.
Contact Sarah