Introduction
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into various sectors, including the workplace, employees express concern about its impact on their roles. In response, organizations face the challenge of guiding their human capital through this technological transition, ensuring AI serves as a helpful tool rather than a detriment.
Christopher Surdak’s Perspective
During the opening day of the 60th International Human Resources Congress 2025, Christopher Surdak, founder and director of Quantiqs and a leader in digital transformation, highlighted the importance of maintaining human connection amidst AI integration.
AI’s Limitations
Surdak pointed out that while AI can provide answers, it lacks the ability to explain its reasoning. Consequently, organizations must step in to offer these explanations and maintain human connection.
Leaders’ Role
Surdak emphasized that leaders should utilize the right hemisphere of the brain, which is more emotional and less logical, to communicate reasons behind AI-driven decisions to their employees. This approach will help preserve human connection in an increasingly automated world.
Maintaining Control Over Technology
Surdak advised leaders to maintain control over technology and prevent it from dominating individuals and organizations.
Integrating AI Holistically
To successfully incorporate AI into organizations, Surdak referenced William Edwards Deming, a foundational figure in quality management. He outlined ten key points for this process:
- Strategy: Determine the purpose of adopting AI, anticipated benefits, costs, motivators (curiosity or fear), and the outcomes of previous technology implementations.
- Synergy: Recognize that AI is merely a tool to complement human workers, not replace them.
- Harmonize: Ensure everyone in the organization understands the direction and goals.
- Stabilize: A stable system allows for error identification without unnecessary interference.
- Optimize: Continuously review results to optimize necessary aspects, as nothing remains static.
- Supervise: Monitor situations causing disruptions or noise, rather than letting AI take control.
- Scrutinize: Conduct thorough investigations to uncover information or better understand situations.
- Update: Regularly update data, information, or knowledge to maintain relevance and functionality.
- Socialize: Celebrate successes with human colleagues, not AI.
- Humanize: This is the most crucial step, ensuring human connection remains intact.
AI Regulation
Surdak stressed the need for organizations to collaborate with technology and align it with corporate objectives.
He noted that regulation will inevitably be slower than technological advancements but should still be implemented correctly to comply with future regulations.
Balancing Regulation and Technology
Surdak suggested that a balanced approach, rather than strict regulation, would be more suitable for Mexico. He emphasized that companies should define their AI adoption strategy and understand the purpose of using technology.
Prioritizing Human Connection
Surdak concluded that successful organizations will prioritize human connection above technological advancement, enabling them to attract top talent.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the challenge for HR leaders with AI integration? Maintaining human connection and ensuring AI serves as a helpful tool rather than a detriment.
- Why should leaders use the right hemisphere of the brain when implementing AI? To communicate reasons behind AI-driven decisions and preserve human connection.
- What are the key points for integrating AI holistically? Strategy, synergy, harmonization, stabilization, optimization, supervision, scrutiny, updating, socialization, and humanizing.
- Why is regulation important in AI integration? To ensure compliance with future regulations and maintain control over technology.
- What approach should organizations take regarding AI regulation? A balanced approach, prioritizing human connection and understanding the purpose of using technology.
