According to a recent CIPD survey of over 2,000 respondents, as many as 63% of professionals are open to trusting artificial intelligence (AI) to make significant workplace decisions. However, 35% remain wary, favouring human intelligence over AI regarding important workplace choices.
The poll was conducted in light of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which aims to accelerate technological growth in public services. While the findings highlight AI’s potential, they also emphasise a prevailing need for human oversight.
Participants shared mixed views on AI’s role in the workplace. Some professionals saw its ability to facilitate tasks and support decision-making, while others stressed the irreplaceable value of human judgment, particularly for decisions requiring ethical, empathetic, or contextual consideration.
One respondent noted, “Decisions that impact people’s lives need a human perspective. Ethics and empathy can’t be automated.” Another added, “AI can enhance analytics, but it should only inform decisions, not replace human responsibility.”
Many agreed that AI could save time and improve efficiency, but they cautioned against using it as a substitute for doing one’s job thoroughly.
The human-centric approach to AI
The CIPD encouraged organizations to embrace AI but underscored the importance of keeping people at the centre of decision-making. They advised employers to create robust guidelines prioritising ethical practices, data security, and fairness.
Hayfa Mohdzaini, senior policy and practice adviser for technology at the CIPD, emphasized the rapid changes AI brings to workplaces. “AI is reshaping jobs and careers at an incredible pace,” she said. “While it has the potential to simplify processes and free up time, human oversight remains crucial. A balanced approach—combining AI with human judgment—leads to better outcomes and increased productivity.”
CIPD’s chief executive, Peter Cheese, echoed these sentiments during a keynote speech at last year’s CIPD Annual Conference. He highlighted the vital role of HR in guiding the ethical use of AI in the workplace. “AI is rapidly transforming the nature of work. It’s crucial to ensure the jobs created by AI align with the principles of good work and are beneficial for people,” he stated.