AI in HR: Former EEOC Leader Keith Sonderling Explains What You Need to Know

AI in HR: Enhancing Decisions, Not Reinventing Them

In a Glider AI sponsored podcast of Transformation Realness, host Kyle Lagunas interviews Keith Sonderling, the former Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), to gain perspective on AI in HR from the lens of a government leader.

Keith is renowned for his work on bridging innovation and regulation, in particular, for the responsible use of AI in the workplace. Keith’s leadership has influenced how organizations navigate compliance and technological innovation.

AI in HR: Enhancing Decisions, Not Reinventing Them

AI is here, it’s not a concept, and it’s reshaping HR. Keith’s perspective is that AI is not revolutionizing the decisions we make; it’s refining how we make them. As Keith explains, AI hasn’t created new employment decisions. Instead, it enhances existing processes by providing better data and improved transparency.

“At the end of the day, AI has not created a new employment decision. All AI is doing is either making those decisions for you or giving you more data to augment them.” – Keith Sonderling

Key Takeaways from Keith:

• AI amplifies decision-making: It augments traditional HR processes with more precise data.
• Challenges to adoption: Concerns about bias, lawsuits, and uncertainty often hold HR leaders back.
• Risk of inaction: Avoiding AI perpetuates the inefficiencies and inequities of the status quo.
• Call to action: By embracing AI responsibly, HR can create more efficient and equitable systems.

HR Professionals: Guardians of AI in the Workplace

HR has always been a high-stakes field, navigating regulations and managing life-impacting decisions. As we enter the era of AI, HR professionals must step into a new role: the stewards of AI. This means ensuring that AI aligns with organizational values, ethics, and compliance—not just leaving the tech to IT or legal teams.

Keith underscores the importance of this responsibility, saying,

“You’ve been dealing with a much higher-risk area your entire career than other parts of your business because you’re dealing with people’s ability to provide for their families, to enter and thrive in the workforce.”

Key Takeaways from Keith:

• AI literacy is essential: HR leaders must understand AI to guide its implementation effectively.
• Responsibility beyond compliance: It’s not just about following laws; it’s about ensuring AI supports company ethics and vision.
• Leadership opportunity: This is a pivotal moment where HR can lead organizational change by owning AI adoption, compliance, education, and skill development.

Building Bridges Between Innovation and Regulation

Keith’s time at the EEOC highlighted the power of dialogue between government regulators and HR professionals. By engaging stakeholders from venture capitalists to HR leaders, Keith demonstrated the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of workplace technology and keeping humans at the center.

“Most companies want to do the right thing,” Keith shared. “But they need guidance and partnership to navigate the complex intersection of innovation and compliance.”

Key Takeaways from Keith:

• Collaboration is critical: Bridging the gap between innovation and regulation will ensure responsible AI adoption.
• HR as mediators: HR professionals are uniquely positioned to balance people-first values with compliance requirements.
• Proactive partnerships: Open dialogue with regulators and technologists paves the way for equitable AI practices.

The Path Forward: Leading Responsible AI in HR

The future of HR lies in responsible AI adoption. By embracing AI literacy and stepping into leadership roles, HR professionals can ensure that AI is used to create fairer, more effective workplaces. Keith’s message is clear: “HR isn’t just about compliance anymore—it’s about being leaders in this new era of work.” He concludes with an empowering challenge: “We have a unique opportunity to be the stewards of trust in our organizations, to ensure AI is used responsibly to build a better workplace for everyone.”

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace responsible AI: Use AI to foster equity and efficiency in the workplace.
• Leverage HR’s unique perspective: HR leaders understand both people and compliance, making them ideal stewards of AI.
• Seize the moment: This is HR’s opportunity to guide organizations toward a future where AI serves everyone responsibly.

As highlighted on Transformation Realness, HR has the power to redefine its role in the AI-driven future. By leaning in, acquiring AI knowledge, and actively shaping its use, HR can lead organizations toward more equitable and effective workplaces.