Forget just boosting efficiency. Jen Kirkwood, CEO & Founder of Talvana Consulting, and a speaker at SPARK TALENT 2025, reveals a critical truth: the future of HR tech isn’t just about what AI can do, but what it must do responsibly. As employees and candidates become savvier about AI, your company’s ethics are now a legal and brand imperative.
The conversation around AI in HR often centers on productivity gains. But Kirkwood brings a sharp focus to an often-underestimated area: the crucial need for strong AI ethics and governance, driven not just by regulators, but by the very people you hire and employ. She warns that companies can no longer afford to treat AI compliance as a simple “check-the-box” activity.
Kirkwood stresses that accountability and transparency aren’t just buzzwords; they are vital skills for HR and leadership, directly impacting your company’s reputation and legal standing:
This insight is a direct warning: employees and candidates are becoming highly educated on AI. They will demand to know how your HR systems work, whether they’re fair, and if they’re free from bias. As Kirkwood highlights with cases like the Mobley vs. Workday class-action suit, companies are already facing legal challenges when AI is implemented without proper oversight. Your proactive commitment to ethical AI protects your brand, reduces legal risks, and builds essential trust.
HR’s Action Plan:
- Demand Explainability: Don’t just implement AI; ensure you (and your tech partners) can explain how the models work and why decisions are made.
- Build Guardrails: Work with legal and IT to set up clear ethical guidelines and oversight for all AI used in HR, from hiring to talent management.
- Educate Your Team: Empower your HR professionals to understand and discuss AI ethics and compliance with confidence, turning potential challenges into trust-building conversations.
Join us live in San Antonio at SPARK TALENT 2025 and get practical strategies focusing on workforce planning, talent acquisition, and AI-driven processes! Discover proven solutions from top HR thought leaders from PepsiCo, Walmart, Staples, The Coca-Cola Company, Marriott, and GE HealthCare, and get ready to adapt your talent strategy for the future.