Hello, Computer! GenAI for HR

By Jigesh S., VP of Enterprise Architecture and Distinguished Engineer   

In Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home, when the crew goes back to 1986, the Chief Engineer, Scotty, attempts to access a computer by saying, "Hello, Computer." When nothing happened and asked to use the keyboard, he replied, "Keyboard, how quaint!". The computer interface evolved from a cryptic command-line interface (CLI) to a more intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) to a friendlier chat and voice interface using everyday language.  

Modern systems understand user intent using Natural Language Processing (NLP), execute preset instructions, and retrieve curated content. Generative AI (GenAI) offers a significant leap forward for human-computer interaction. One of the most impressive feats of GenAI technology is the universal appeal regardless of the topic and the users' level of expertise.  

One must be familiar with the Large Language Models (LLM) regarding technologies AI encompasses. The beauty of the LLM is its innate ability to recognize relationships and dependencies between words, sentences, and paragraphs. LLM can also learn patterns, extract intent from plain language, create new content, and mimic human intelligence. Its immense potential can revolutionize how we build and use HR systems today!   

So, how does HR benefit from the GenAI, and should we care?  

GenAI is different as it can analyze data, aid decision-making, generate new content, and facilitate actions via one-on-one conversation in natural language. GenAI can evolve our systems from mere record keepers to trustworthy agents, enabling unprecedented self-serviceability, a higher degree of automation, and enhanced user experience. Let's use the new hiring onboarding as an example.

Here are four points GenAI-powered HR assistant can improve the onboarding experience and some examples:

1. Use GenAI as an expert resource in providing company information by using it to summarize HR policies and complex regulatory and statutory requirements. 
2. Use GenAI to generate a personalized onboarding journey with step-by-step instructions to assist the new hire in completing tasks with high accuracy and reliability.   
3. Use GenAI to guide new hires through benefits selections by offering personalized recommendations based on family and personal needs.  
4. Use GenAI to provide oversight for HR practitioners by offering analytics into the onboarding process beyond traditional, predefined metrics.  

Although in its nascent state today, GenAI is showing promise in computer code generation, given simple instructions in plain language. HR systems can use this technology and allow users to create automation jobs simply by stating what needs to happen. For example, GenAI can approve all timesheets if worked hours are within a set of planned hours. From learning data flow patterns, sequence of operations, and available Application Programmatic Interfaces (APIs) to generating new code without manual programming, GenAI creates new capabilities quickly.

At ADP, we have deep HR expertise with decades of experience and unmatched data to leverage GenAI technology and build products that improve human life. It is an exciting time for technologists to build new capabilities and experiences and revolutionize the HR industry.

Jigesh S. is the VP of Enterprise Architecture at ADP, who played pivotal roles in designing and developing modern HR products, including ADP Mobile Solutions, ADP Marketplace, and the next-generation Workforce Management platform. He received recognition as ADP's first Distinguished Engineer for engineering excellence and driving business growth through product innovations. 

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