As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize HR and internal communications, we’re all jumping on the bandwagon to figure out how it can boost our efficiency and productivity. To gain a competitive edge, we need to be AI-savvy. But before we let the pendulum swing too far, we're here to remind internal communicators that over-reliance on AI—particularly for work that requires empathy and human connection—can backfire.

Remember the auto-tune craze in the mid-2000s that almost destroyed hip-hop? Let’s learn from that experience and use AI to innovate and enhance without killing our art.

By steering clear of pitfalls, you’ll ensure that AI initiatives enhance rather than hinder your team’s effectiveness and overall value.

Here are five critical mistakes to avoid when incorporating AI into your internal comms practices:

1. Don’t Over-Automate Personal Interactions

Over-automating can turn meaningful communications into robotic exchanges, making employees feel undervalued. Use AI for routine tasks like scheduling meetings, sending reminders, or collecting survey data. But let humans handle personal touchpoints such as onboarding, conflict resolution, and one-on-one check-ins. These interactions require empathy, understanding, and a personal touch that AI cannot replicate.

2. Don’t Rely Solely on AI for Decision Making

AI should assist, not replace, human judgment in critical employee decisions. While AI can quickly process large amounts of data to identify trends or flag issues, decisions around hiring, promotions, or disciplinary actions should always involve human review. This ensures that context, equity, and fairness are considered, preventing AI's lack of nuance from leading to unjust outcomes.

3. Don’t Ignore AI Bias

AI systems can perpetuate and even amplify biases present in their training data. Regularly audit and adjust AI algorithms to ensure fairness and avoid discriminatory practices. For instance, implement diverse data sets and continuous monitoring to identify and correct biases. You can also encourage transparency by allowing employees to review AI decisions to catch potential biases early.

4. Don’t Neglect AI Privacy Concerns

Employee data is sensitive and should never be compromised. Ensure robust data protection measures are in place to maintain trust and comply with privacy regulations, avoiding potential breaches and legal issues. Be transparent about data usage and give employees control over their information. Finally, be sure to update your privacy policies regularly and ensure all AI tools comply with these standards.

5. Don’t Underestimate the Need for AI Training

AI tools are only as effective as the people using them. Invest in comprehensive training to help your team utilize AI responsibly and to its full potential, fostering ethical and effective use. Provide continuous learning opportunities and resources to keep employees updated on the latest AI developments and best practices. Encouraging a culture of curiosity and innovation will help team members feel comfortable exploring (and questioning!) AI usage.

Potential Without Pitfalls

Just like auto-tune had its moment of reckoning, it’s time for us to reflect on how we’re using AI in HR and internal communications and fine-tune our approach. We have the chance to harness AI’s immense potential while staying true to what makes our work truly impactful—our human touch.

Ready to strike the perfect balance? Join the conversation and share how you’re integrating AI in ways that keep your communications authentic and effective. Together, we can make sure our efforts hit all the right notes!

P.S. Brilliant Ink is here to talk you through the dos and don’ts of AI usage and governance. Send us an email or book a call to chat about your specific needs.