Explore how AI-powered, human-centric HR is redefining the enterprise-and what it means for leaders navigating the future of work. The HR function is at an inflection point. Once a compliance-driven cost center, HR is now evolving into a strategic intelligence hub, orchestrating experiences and outcomes across the employee lifecycle. This transformation is powered by AI, automation, and human-centered design, underpinned by strong governance and agile operating models.
Why now?
Disruption is the new normal-skills shortages, hybrid work, and digital overload have left traditional HR models fragmented and reactive. The next phase is flow: an operating state where HR is embedded in business workflows, delivering frictionless experiences and real-time insights. Technology is the catalyst, but human judgment remains the control system.
Key forces shaping HR’s future
Digital-first strategies and GenAI adoption are accelerating
Employee expectations mirror consumer-grade experiences-personalised, seamless, and purpose-driven
Data-driven agility is non-negotiable: predictive analytics and relational insights are now core to workforce planning and decision-making
The workplace is being reshaped by these digital-first strategies, hybrid work models, and rising employee expectations. HR now drives decisions on talent, performance, and workforce planning, while automation handles routine tasks and human empathy ensures fairness and trust.
Key highlights of the report include:
AI is not a replacement but a strategic partner, freeing up significant HR time for high-value priorities like workforce planning, DEI, and employee experience. To unlock this potential, governance is non-negotiable-bias checks, explainability, and human-in-the-loop oversight are essential for trust and compliance. HR must evolve its operating model into a productised, data-centric structure with embedded analytics and agile delivery. To make this real, organisations must invest in scalable AI platforms, upskill HR teams, and foster a culture of augmentation over automation, while tracking value through a balanced scorecard of employee productivity, employee experience, and compliance.
Smart tech with human touch – The future of HR with AI
Strategic HR roadmap: Shift from reactive to agile, insight-led enablers via AI tech, human-centered design & governed operating models
Key Contacts
Purushothaman KG
Partner and Head Technology Transformation, Sector Head - Telecommunications
KPMG in India
Maneesha Garg
Partner & Head – Managed Services, Forensic, F&A, HR, Learning, Insight Led sales, Digital business operations and Sourcing
KPMG in India
How can KPMG in India help
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