Employers, like everyone else, are captivated by the possibilities that artificial intelligence offers. It’s clearly part of the future of work, and understanding how it can support your operations, while at the same time being mindful of potential risks, is essential to using these tools effectively.
Employees are already using AI in their day‑to‑day interactions. You can expect them to rely on it when drafting complaints, requesting time off, submitting suggestions, preparing self‑reviews, and even navigating formal claims processes. Tasks that once required hiring a lawyer or seeking outside help can now be initiated with the assistance of an AI tool. Employers must be prepared for this shift and ready to respond accordingly.
The key to using any AI technology is simple: treat it as a resource, not a replacement for judgment. Asking AI to generate a first draft or outline can be a great way to get started, but copying and pasting without review is a recipe for trouble. As with any shortcut or time‑saving tool, users must verify and validate the output before relying on it.
Consider the employer preparing to hire a new employee and wanting an employment agreement. An AI‑generated template might be a helpful starting point, but without carefully crafted prompts—and without reviewing the result—you could end up with an agreement that’s unenforceable in your jurisdiction, missing essential terms, or containing provisions that are unlawful in your state. The same risk applies when using AI to respond to an employee’s request for time off. Without providing full context and background when typing in your prompt, the AI may generate an answer that leads you in the wrong direction.
None of this means AI can’t be a valuable tool. It absolutely can. It can help you gather foundational information, outline options, or frame an issue. But its output must be checked, validated, and supplemented with professional guidance when appropriate, whether that’s from legal counsel, an accountant, a benefits provider, or another subject‑matter expert. Using AI wisely means pairing its efficiency with your own expertise and compliance obligations.
Does your company have a policy regarding the use of AI in making any sort of employment decisions? This is a good time to review policies, train managers, and document decisions about your company’s use of AI.
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