It’s been more than six decades since the term AI or artificial intelligence was first coined. However, it’s only really reached full speed outside research in the last three decades. Given the topic for discussion, we asked ChatGPT to define artificial intelligence, and this is what it said:

“Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI systems use algorithms and mathematical models to analyze and interpret data, learn from past experiences, and make predictions or decisions based on that learning.” Impressed so far? We were.

What exactly is ChatGPT?

In the past, AI algorithms have been used to solve specific issues like detecting cancer, helping detect fraud in financial transactions, or customizing feeds on social media.

ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI and Elon Musk. Essentially, it’s a chatbot tool that generates human-like responses from natural inputs. This makes it useful for chatbot applications. It can generate text in a range of languages and can be used for specific tasks like content generation, language translation, and customer service. So, instead of being used for one specific purpose, this AI tool can be applied to a variety of different tasks. 

This isn’t the only AI foundational model that relies on NLP (natural language processing), but since the public can use it for free, it has garnered a lot of interest. 

How can ChatGPT be used in business?

Though a lot of people are using this AI for fun, many have clocked on to its uses in work and business. 

An obvious use of ChatGPT is in content writing and marketing. Since the program can create text in a matter of minutes, it’s proving useful for coming up with first drafts of blog posts, articles, and social media content. As such, it’s speeding up the creation process for many writers and marketers.

But can it be used for specific roles in the business? What about HR, for instance?

ChatGPT Hiring and HR

ChatGPT can be used by business HR departments in a variety of ways. These include:

1. Candidate screening and recruitment: it can automate the recruitment process and screening process by collecting information, skills, and experience. It is also useful in answering basic questions candidates might ask about the company.

2. Employee training and onboarding: the program can provide information to new employees concerning company procedures, policies, and any benefits they’re entitled to. ChatGPT can also deliver training.

3. Employee communication and engagement: it can be used as a means of gathering feedback from employees. 

4. Evaluation and feedback on performance: the program can collect data and analyze it to give employees feedback as well as suggestions on how to improve.

5. Admin: ChatGPT can streamline processes in HR like annual leave requests, payroll inquiries, and time tracking.

But what is this like in reality?

The pros and cons of using ChatGPT for Human Resources

There are several advantages and disadvantages to using ChatGPT for HR. Here are some pros and cons worthy of consideration:

Pros

1. ChatGPT is available 24/7, which means it can be accessed outside of business hours.

2. It is cost-effective. ChatGPT can reduce the cost and time of manual HR like candidate screening and employee onboarding. 

3. It is efficient. ChatGPT can help to streamline HR processes and reduce staff workload, meaning they’re available for other tasks.

4. It provides personalized content. ChatGPT can provide employees with responses based on their preferences and interests.

5. It is consistent. The program will always respond consistently to HR processes and employee inquiries.

Cons

1. Limited context. The program isn’t able to understand a person’s situation or inquiry fully, which could lead to an inappropriate or inaccurate response. 

2. Lack of empathy. ChatGPT might not respond to or understand an employee’s emotional needs, which is an essential HR skill. 

3. Privacy. ChatGPT might collect employee data, which might lead to concerns regarding privacy.

4. Technical problems. The program could experience technical errors or issues that make it unusable or inaccurate.

5. Dependence. A business could become too dependent on the program, which might lead to oversights or a loss of expertise.

6. Unreliable information. Since the tool scours the internet for existing information to come up with its answer, it is unable to distinguish between reliable information and information with a bias. What’s more, ChatGPT’s research is almost two years out of date. When you ask it about the war in Ukraine, for instance, you’re given an overview of events from 2014 up to 2021 only. 

Practical ChatGPT uses for HR

Now we know of ChatGPT’s limitations, we can look at some practical examples of how the program can be used in HR.  

Practical uses include designing a training plan, generating questions and responses for FAQs, generating templates and document structures for performance reviews, and writing meeting presentations or emails.

As mentioned, ChatGPT is used frequently already in content creation and marketing to speed up research, writing, and creating content. HR can use it in this way too: to create document outlines or plans, or to research something. 

For things like law research, however, ChatGPT has its limitations. Because it was ‘taught’ back in 2021, it means you can’t rely on it to have the most up-to-date information concerning HR laws and guidelines. 

Final thoughts on ChatGPT

Ultimately, ChatGPT is a positive tool for HR departments as it can be used to automate time-consuming and repetitive work. As such, it gives the HR team more scope to focus on the parts of their job that are human facing. However, it’s worth considering its limitations, particularly concerning having a lack of empathy in an area that requires a lot of humanity. What’s more, its lack of up-to-date information means it cannot be relied upon to give accurate information about current laws and practices. All things considered, HR teams can still experiment and have fun with the program as long as they understand its limitations. Likely, ChatGPT or equivalent programs are here for the duration, even if the full implementation is years away.