What's Happening?
SHRM India has released a significant research report titled 'Driving Enterprise Productivity with Agentic AI,' developed in collaboration with Google Cloud and Quantiphi. The report was launched at the
SHRM India Annual Conference & Expo 2025, held in New Delhi. The research focuses on Agentic AI, a new class of autonomous systems that go beyond automation to make strategic decisions and deliver personalized employee experiences. Insights were drawn from 58 HR leaders across 14 industries and interviews with CHROs from 11 organizations, including Flipkart and Mahindra & Mahindra. The study highlights the urgent priority of adopting Agentic AI, with 79% of CHROs recognizing its importance, though only half of the organizations are ready for implementation. The report outlines four key pillars for modern HR: strategist, enabler, ethicist, and architect, emphasizing the need for upskilling, governance, and organizational alignment.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of Agentic AI in HR practices represents a transformative shift in how enterprises manage workforce productivity and strategic planning. This development is crucial as it addresses the readiness gap in adopting AI technologies, which can significantly enhance enterprise productivity and employee experiences. The research provides a roadmap for responsible AI adoption, emphasizing ethical governance and strategic workforce planning. Organizations that successfully implement Agentic AI stand to gain competitive advantages through improved decision-making and personalized employee engagement. However, the readiness gap suggests potential challenges in upskilling and aligning organizational strategies with AI capabilities, which could impact the pace of adoption and overall effectiveness.
What's Next?
The report suggests practical steps for bridging the implementation gap, including creating 'pockets of excellence,' building a robust data foundation, investing in AI literacy, and embedding ethical frameworks. As organizations begin to adopt these strategies, HR leaders will need to focus on change management and continuous learning to ensure successful integration of Agentic AI. The ongoing dialogue at the SHRM India Annual Conference & Expo will likely influence future policies and practices in HR, as stakeholders explore AI-driven talent strategies and ethical leadership. The collaboration between SHRM India, Google Cloud, and Quantiphi may lead to further research and development in AI applications within HR.
Beyond the Headlines
The adoption of Agentic AI in HR practices raises important ethical considerations, particularly around transparency and fairness in AI-driven decision-making. As AI systems become more integrated into workforce management, organizations must ensure that these technologies are used responsibly to avoid biases and maintain trust among employees. The shift towards AI-driven strategies also highlights the need for a cultural transformation within organizations, where continuous learning and adaptability become central to workforce development. Long-term, this could lead to a redefinition of traditional HR roles and the emergence of new capabilities focused on AI collaboration.
