What's Happening?
A new report from Kognitiv, a Workday services partner, reveals significant shifts in HR consultancy models due to AI disruption. The research, conducted among 500 HR decision-makers in the UK and Germany, highlights that 80% of HR leaders want consultancies
to better integrate AI, while 44% believe consultancies have been slow to adapt to AI technology. The report indicates a growing frustration with traditional consultancy partnerships, as HR leaders seek more AI integration and transparency. Despite the reliance on consultancies, only 26% of HR leaders consider them essential, with many expressing dissatisfaction due to lack of cost transparency and inefficiency.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore a critical transition in the HR consultancy industry, where AI is increasingly seen as a tool to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This shift could lead to a reevaluation of consultancy models, with a focus on combining AI with human expertise. As HR leaders cut spending on traditional consultancies in favor of AI, the industry may experience a significant transformation, impacting how HR services are delivered and valued. The move towards AI-driven solutions could improve service delivery, reduce complexity, and align consultancy offerings with client needs.
What's Next?
HR leaders anticipate a future where AI plays a central role in consultancy models, facilitated by human oversight. This could lead to fewer traditional consultants and more AI-driven solutions, potentially reshaping the consultancy landscape. As organizations seek to reduce the 'Complexity Tax' associated with traditional consultancy models, there may be increased demand for flexible, transparent, and efficient services. Kognitiv's focus on leveraging AI to solve client problems suggests a trend towards more innovative and agile consultancy practices.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift towards AI in HR consultancies may have broader implications for the industry, including changes in service delivery, cost structures, and client relationships. As AI becomes more integrated, consultancies will need to adapt their models to remain competitive, potentially leading to new business opportunities and challenges. The emphasis on transparency and efficiency could drive a cultural shift within the industry, promoting more client-centric approaches and reducing reliance on traditional consultancy methods.












