How AI Will Redesign Human Resources and HR Jobs

October 13, 2026

AI Won’t Replace HR. It Will Redesign It

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to reshape the human resources (HR) function by automating repetitive administrative work and allowing HR professionals to focus more on organisational performance, leadership and employee development.

In an article published by Khaleej Times on September 29, 2026, Dominic Keogh-Peters, Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Galadari Brothers, explains why AI is more likely to redesign HR than eliminate the function entirely.

AI Will Automate Routine HR Tasks

AI tools are increasingly capable of handling employee queries, interpreting company policies, managing workflows, processing information and producing reports.

Employees may be able to use AI assistants to understand leave entitlements, maternity policies and other workplace procedures without contacting HR for every routine question.

However, situations requiring empathy, judgement, context and leadership will continue to need human involvement.

HR May Become Smaller and More Specialised

As administrative responsibilities become automated, HR departments may require fewer people to manage routine processes. The remaining professionals will need stronger expertise in organisational design, business strategy, workforce analytics, technology and employee behaviour.

The focus could shift from processing paperwork to improving how organisations operate and achieve their goals.

Payroll and Administrative Responsibilities Could Change

The article also highlights the possibility of moving transactional responsibilities, such as payroll processing, towards finance teams. HR could continue to focus on compensation strategy, employee benefits, incentives, recognition and how rewards influence performance.

Such changes would allow HR professionals to concentrate on responsibilities more directly connected to people and organisational development.

Employee Relations Will Still Need Human Judgement

AI can help managers understand policies, review documentation and identify potential risks. However, complex workplace disputes often involve questions of fairness, trust, relationships and organisational culture.

These situations require careful human judgement rather than relying only on automated systems.

Talent Management Will Focus on Skills and Capabilities

AI could help organisations identify existing employee skills, recognise capability gaps and understand future workforce requirements.

Instead of focusing only on succession plans for specific positions, businesses may increasingly consider which capabilities they need and whether those skills should be developed, recruited or supported through technology.

The Future of HR

The article suggests that future HR teams could be smaller but more strategically important. AI may handle much of the administration, while finance manages payroll processes and managers receive technology-supported guidance.

HR professionals would focus more on leadership, organisational culture, employee capabilities, rewards and business performance.

The central message is that while AI can automate many processes, organisations will still need people who understand how to connect business strategy with human performance.