# HR meets AI: who leads the future — humans or machines

- URL: https://hr-passionista.com/en/ai-in-hr-human-or-machine-what-really-matters/
- Published: 2026-01-26
- Updated: 2026-01-31
- Author: Marion Eppinger (HR-Passionista)
- Categories: content & influencing, hr processes & digitalisation, strategic HR

> AI in HR: Human or machine? Key opportunities, risks and what leaders and HR teams need to know to shape the future of work.

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### **Where does true intelligence reside?**

This week, on 14 September 2022, the ARS academy organised the **Power Couple Human & Machine** conference in the beautiful setting of the House of Engineers. 

The **event** focused on **artificial intelligence and the interplay between HR and law.**

> *„The association with AI often triggers negative future scenarios in which only either the machine or the human being has the upper hand.“ (Quote from the ARS Academy conference description)*

The conference was opened by [Bettina Kerschbaumer,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/diekerschbaumer/) moderator, and [Richard Melbinger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-melbinger-48b2a1108/), Managing Director of ARS & ETC, who presented the follwoing motto: *It doesn’t have to be either/or; humans and machines must work together to be successful.*

### 7 success factors for using AI successfully

We repeatedly go through **times of crisis, change and innovation.** What do people do then? Exactly, **they cling to old habits.** **People** only **like innovations** when they **are their own ideas** and **not** **someone else‘**s. Then it is a **„change“** as presented [Prof. Dr. Pero Micic](https://www.linkedin.com/in/peromicic/). He believes that companies must have **7 success factors in place** for **AI to be implemented sustainably:** 

-    ![🌱](https://hr-passionista.com/assets/emoji/1f331.svg) s**ustainably improving quality** of **life**
-    ![🔮](https://hr-passionista.com/assets/emoji/1f52e.svg) **working** on a **feasible opportunity for the future**
-    ![💶](https://hr-passionista.com/assets/emoji/1f4b6.svg) customers who buy at **profitable prices**
-    ![💟](https://hr-passionista.com/assets/emoji/1f49f.svg) e**mployees** joining, staying and being **engaged**
-    ![📈](https://hr-passionista.com/assets/emoji/1f4c8.svg) p**roductivity** at the top of the industry
-   **competitors** finding it **difficult to replicate**
-    ![🌋](https://hr-passionista.com/assets/emoji/1f30b.svg) **protecting** against **disruption**
-   ![📊](https://hr-passionista.com/assets/emoji/1f4ca.svg) **employees as shareholders** who are happy to be involved in the company

What I took away from this is that you can approach the topic by starting small and making only minor internal organisational changes rather than trying to "tear down" the world right away. Also AI is not the solution to everything, because of course we still need humans for skills such as empathy and emotional intelligence. #SmallImpactCounts

### Teaching digital skills

According to [Angelika Riedl](https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelika-riedl-bsc-ma-1948ba58/) from the Know-Center**,** it is important **to understand fundamentals** **of AI** before even tackling the topic or **hiring** **new employees**. **First understand the problems** and then **analyse the** available **data**. **Only then can a decision be made as to whether AI makes is appropriate.**

###  The legal aspects of AI and data protection

**Data protection** in connection **with AI is essential** as explained by [Dr Axel Anderl](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/) and [Mag. Alexandra Ciarnau](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-ciarnau-55a415198/) of DORDA Rechtsanwälte. According to Dr. Anderl*, AI is not as advanced as Hollywood would have us believe*. **Secure data processing** must **be** **guaranteed****.** Unfortunately**, there is** still **a lack of** **groundbreaking measures**, such as those dealing with wrong decisions, fairness, transparency, etc. **More guidance** is awaited in this area**,** hopefully in the next few months/years: the **keyword here is the AI Act.**

Hearing about the legal situation makes me lose interest in the topic. It all seems like a minefield to me — everything is open to interpretation. AI is coming, and we won't be able to stop it. The question is how flexible we can be to secure Austria's position as a business location. According to Herbert Lohninger, China has already overtaken the US in this area, which makes me wonder where Europe will stand on this issue in future. It is and will remain an exciting topic! #datasecurity

### Recruitment in the age of AI

These days, **recruitment** is a **supreme discipline** these days**,** and [Rudi Bauer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudi-bauer-1b325813/), MD WeAreDevelopers, has aptly summarised what it takes to **attract highly qualified employees, especially IT staff, to a company**. **In the past, basic factors** such as salary, accommodation and job security **were enough**. **Today,** however, it’s all about **self-fulfilment, team spirit and purpose.** **Traditional** **job advertisements** are **no longer enough** to recruit successfully; it’s all about **community management** is key – how do I reach my **target group**, where are they active and how do I address them? **AI** can **be very helpful** **in assisting with pre-selection and identifying the most effective channels.** 

### Example

If my target group is Gen Z, for a specific role such as data scientist, then advertising on the usual platforms is not enough. An "IT specialist" is not looking for a job; they want to be found and approached accordingly. May advice is to use AI can to help with the recruitment process, but remember that is's just an algorithm and some candidates will inevitably be overlooked. That's why combining human and machine is so important. ##TargetTalent

### AI in practice

[Herbert Lohninger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbertlohninger/), CIO at the University of Salzburg, shares some **practical examples** of where AI is already **being used effectively**. These include Deepl, which is used as a translation aid and MS Teams, which automatically generates subtitles. **These are all tools that support us in our everyday lives.** However, he also predicts that **jobs will be lost**, e.g. taxi drivers with the advent of. autonomous driving. However, **many new** jobs will also **be created that require different skills.** It is up to companies **to train their employees rather than replace them.**

This is a topic close to my heart. I believe that everyone has potential, and often it just needs to be brought to the surface. Not everyone will be ready for change, but what is the alternative? No work? I think you should make it appealing for employees to continue their education here! #Upskilling

### Humans and machines – relationship status: „it’s complicated“

At the end of the day, [Dr Irina Nalis-Neuner,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-irina-nalis-neuner-86165713/) researcher, strategist and NPO chairwoman gave a lecture on digital humanism. She believes that the **relationship between humans and machines is „complicated“.** In order to minimise risks und fears, **relationship work** is needed and **roles** must **be** in be precisely defined. Of course, there are also new opportunities, but everything in harmony with human values and needs rather than technology shaping people. Above all**,** **young people** need training to understand what is at stake. The motto here is **to program rather than be programmed**.

I think we need to strike a balance between AI and humans in such a way that it benefits both sides: AI can provide knowledge, while humans provide support in such areas as care, recruitment, repetitive work, etc.. #BeHuman

![](https://hr-passionista.com/media/2025/11/DSC01841-Edit.jpg)

### My conclusion

In summary, it was an immensely **exciting and inspiring conference** featuring **keynote speakers and contributions on the topic of AI** and its future **impact** **on the world of work**. **From today’s perspective,** it is **still impossible** to **imagine** the full **extent** of this **impact.** One thing is certain, however, **human resources and managers will** need to support **change processes related to AI in considered and sustainable way.** Exciting times lies ahead.

I left with me the message that we must **up to date and accept** **AI is here to stay.** **There is no way around it.** 

*„The art of progress is to maintain order in the midst of change, and to maintain change in the midst of order.“ (Alfred North Whitehead)*