Less admin, more time with people: how an HR professional’s job has been transformed by AI

Using AI has led to ‘better, more inclusive, more accountable’ employee check-ins, says Orr. Photograph: B Krokodil/Stocksy United

Like many HR professionals, Grace Orr always dreaded the end of the month. It would be time to sort out the company payroll – one of the most time-consuming and admin-heavy responsibilities of her department.

As director of people at audio and media company Communicorp UK, the monthly payroll would take Orr a day or two to complete – giving her less time to spend on the more human part of her role: building strong relationships with staff and ensuring they have what they need to thrive in the workplace.