The impact of automation / artificial intelligence on work and skills

Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) present some of the biggest challenges for organisations, work, and skills, and are set to remain major disruptors of business transformation into the future. This seminar will help delegates to understand the issues behind the sometimes-foreboding headlines regarding robots and AI at work. By drawing on research conducted with Irish organisations, we will discuss the myths around technology and job displacement, the key challenges of managing hybrid work, and the ethics of AI at work.

The seminar will explore frameworks for building the business case for the use of AI in measuring, understanding, and developing people at work along with practical examples from organisations that have successfully implemented AI to generate meaningful outputs. Additionally, we will discuss the opportunities created by AI, the evolving skills that need to be developed based on the ways AI is being used, and the important role of humans in AI-enabled systems.

Although AI holds immense potential to drive transformative benefits within organisations, its adoption also brings a range of risks that require careful management. To unlock AI's full potential while mitigating these risks, it is crucial for organisations to establish strong governance structures and ethical frameworks. We will therefore also explore these themes, the practical implications, and the possible next steps we can all take in navigating a course through this complex and fast changing landscape.

Starting at 9am with registration and tea/coffee, the session will begin at 9:30 and will conclude at approximately 12 noon.

Speaker bio

Dr Lorraine Ryan

Lorraine is an Associate Professor in Employment Relations & Human Resource Management in the Department of Work & Employment Studies at the Kemmy Business School in the University of Limerick. She is also Programme Director for the BA in HRM & the Future of Work. Drawing on research conducted with Irish organisations, Lorraine will discuss the myths around technology and job displacement, the key challenges of managing hybrid work and the ethics of AI at work. The focus will be on addressing fears of technological determinism and working towards harnessing the benefits of advancements in technology and AI for both organisations and employees.

Janet Humphreys

Janet has over 20 years’ experience in Public, Non-profit and Corporate sectors in Finance, IT, and Risk roles, and holds qualifications in Management Accountancy, International Development, Risk and Project Management. She is currently the Chief Risk officer and Head of ICT at Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), managing BIM’s ICT operations, governance and policy compliance, and the implementation of multiple operational and strategic ICT projects. As Chief Risk Officer, she oversees the management of the organisational risk register process, including drafting analysis and reports for the Audit and Risk Committee and Board. Prior to joining BIM, she worked in senior leadership roles for GOAL global at HQ and in country offices in Africa and the Middle East, IMMAP in Ethiopia.

David Barrett

David is the CEO and co-founder of Welliba, a people and talent technology company dedicated to revolutionising traditional employee listening, engagement, and measurement solutions. David, and his multicultural, global team utilise behavioural science, human-centred technology, and robust data privacy practices to deliver better outcomes for organisations and their employees. David has over 25 years of experience in psychometrics, behavioural science, talent management, people analytics, and employee experience, holding a variety of roles across North America, Europe, and Asia. Before Welliba, David co-founded Cut-e, a digital talent assessment and psychometrics company that evaluates over 30 million people annually across selection, development, upskilling, and learning contexts. Under his leadership, Cut-e grew into a global powerhouse, achieving annual revenues of $30 million, operating in 30 countries, and delivering services in over 40 languages. After Cut-e was acquired by Aon Human Capital, David became Aon’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), overseeing global client solutions, sales, and revenue.

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