As AI becomes a permanent fixture in the modern workplace, a critical question remains: how can organizations ensure these tools are used responsibly and transparently?
In this leadership video, CYPHER Learning President and COO John Kannapell discusses the unique role human resources (HR) professionals play in demystifying AI and ensuring it aligns with organizational values. HR is not just a consumer of technology; it is a champion for the ethical and secure adoption of AI across the company.
Defining policies and protecting proprietary data
Transparency begins with clear rules. John highlights that HR must collaborate with IT and functional teams to ensure third-party licensing agreements are transparent about data usage.
A primary concern for any business is protecting intellectual property (IP). HR should take the lead in verifying whether proprietary data will be used to train external AI models and establishing secure environments for employee access. This includes:
- Regular auditing: Ensuring policies are audited by third parties through standards like SOC 2 compliance.
- Security protocols: Continually revisiting security practices to meet modern data protection standards.
Education and empowerment
For AI to be a success, it cannot be a "mysterious force." John emphasizes that HR should focus on developing learning modules that demystify AI for employees at every stage of the maturity curve.
By making AI accessible and easy to try, HR empowers those who may lack technical acumen to explore how AI can assist their specific departments. This shift from mystery to utility is essential for building trust and encouraging responsible experimentation.
Cross-departmental collaboration and growth
AI transparency is not a siloed initiative. HR serves as the bridge between departments, ensuring that as AI is applied across the organization, it remains aligned with core values.
Finally, HR is in the perfect position to pivot the AI conversation toward employee development and career advancement. When AI is positioned as a visible tool for growth rather than a threat, it becomes a powerful driver for personal and professional progress.
