Balancing innovation and the human experience
Insights from HR Connect 2024 on technology’s role in shaping the future of work. Download the DocumentBalancing innovation
and the human
experience
Insights from HR Connect 2024
on technology’s role in shaping
the future of work
and the human
experience
Insights from HR Connect 2024
on technology’s role in shaping
the future of work
| 92Balancing innovation and the human experience
How can HR leaders leverage cutting-edge technology, such as AI and cloud-based platforms, while ensuring
that the human experience remains at the forefront?
This was the central question at HR Connect 2024 in Sydney, where the future of workforce management took
shape through a day filled with insights, innovation, and vibrant discussions. The event gathered HR, Finance,
and IT professionals eager to explore how new technologies are reshaping employee experiences, improving
engagement, and driving organisational success.
Attendees left with more than just knowledge – they built meaningful connections, heard diverse perspectives,
and gathered fresh, actionable ideas to implement in their organisations. From AI integration to leadership
collaboration, the event offered practical solutions to meet the evolving demands of modern HR.
Key themes from HR Connect 2024 Embracing the future of HR
AI, employee engagement, and
leadership at the core
Throughout HR Connect 2024, three major
themes emerged as driving forces behind the
future of HR. AI and automation are transforming
HR functions by streamlining processes, reducing
manual tasks, and freeing HR teams to focus on
strategic initiatives. Meanwhile, organisations are
reimagining their Employee Value Proposition
(EVP) through technology, enhancing employee
engagement with tools like continuous learning
platforms and real-time feedback systems.
Finally, strong leadership is key to ensuring the
success of these transformations, with CIOs,
CHROs, and CEOs working together to guide HR’s
evolution through effective change management
and collaboration.
Let’s explore how these themes – AI and
automation, employee engagement, and
leadership – are reshaping HR.
Harnessing the power of technology
while keeping the human touch
Keynotes panels, and breakout sessions on
the role of AI and cloud technology in
transforming HR processes.
But the event was not just about technological
advancements. Attendees gained actionable strategies
that combined technology with the essential human
element. From streamlining recruitment to improving
performance management, the conversations were
rooted in practical applications that could be taken
back to their organisations.
Discussions on how AI is not only automating
tasks but also empowering employees to work
smarter, grow faster, and thrive in
future-ready teams.
Real-world examples of how technology is
helping organisations foster leadership,
drive continuous learning, and
cultivate employee engagement.
How can HR leaders leverage cutting-edge technology, such as AI and cloud-based platforms, while ensuring
that the human experience remains at the forefront?
This was the central question at HR Connect 2024 in Sydney, where the future of workforce management took
shape through a day filled with insights, innovation, and vibrant discussions. The event gathered HR, Finance,
and IT professionals eager to explore how new technologies are reshaping employee experiences, improving
engagement, and driving organisational success.
Attendees left with more than just knowledge – they built meaningful connections, heard diverse perspectives,
and gathered fresh, actionable ideas to implement in their organisations. From AI integration to leadership
collaboration, the event offered practical solutions to meet the evolving demands of modern HR.
Key themes from HR Connect 2024 Embracing the future of HR
AI, employee engagement, and
leadership at the core
Throughout HR Connect 2024, three major
themes emerged as driving forces behind the
future of HR. AI and automation are transforming
HR functions by streamlining processes, reducing
manual tasks, and freeing HR teams to focus on
strategic initiatives. Meanwhile, organisations are
reimagining their Employee Value Proposition
(EVP) through technology, enhancing employee
engagement with tools like continuous learning
platforms and real-time feedback systems.
Finally, strong leadership is key to ensuring the
success of these transformations, with CIOs,
CHROs, and CEOs working together to guide HR’s
evolution through effective change management
and collaboration.
Let’s explore how these themes – AI and
automation, employee engagement, and
leadership – are reshaping HR.
Harnessing the power of technology
while keeping the human touch
Keynotes panels, and breakout sessions on
the role of AI and cloud technology in
transforming HR processes.
But the event was not just about technological
advancements. Attendees gained actionable strategies
that combined technology with the essential human
element. From streamlining recruitment to improving
performance management, the conversations were
rooted in practical applications that could be taken
back to their organisations.
Discussions on how AI is not only automating
tasks but also empowering employees to work
smarter, grow faster, and thrive in
future-ready teams.
Real-world examples of how technology is
helping organisations foster leadership,
drive continuous learning, and
cultivate employee engagement.
| 93Balancing innovation and the human experience
AI and automation in HR
Unlocking efficiency and empowerment
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has radically transformed HR processes, offering solutions that were
once unimaginable. At HR Connect 2024, a key focus was how AI is streamlining recruitment, performance
management, and employee engagement. The insights shared throughout the sessions provided a glimpse into
how businesses are leveraging AI to augment human potential, making HR teams more agile and effective in
their roles.
Insights and Trends
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace, organisations are experiencing the benefits of
automated systems that relieve HR professionals from time-consuming tasks. The most forward-thinking
companies are already reaping the rewards. AI is enabling faster decision-making, improving recruitment
processes, and enhancing employee engagement, all while reducing costs.
Leisl Yearsley, CEO of aKin, emphasised the critical role AI is playing in today’s HR landscape, particularly as
companies strive to optimise their workflows. Yearsley’s session, "Beyond the Hype: Insights from 20 Years
Working in AI", highlighted that while AI cannot replace human intuition, it enhances human capabilities
by taking over mundane tasks, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives.
AI gives us the ability to free up humans to do quality higher-value work,
moving beyond repetitive tasks. The more we integrate AI, the more we
can unlock human potential in HR.
Leisl Yearsley
CEO & Founder, aKin
“
”
| 93
The success of AI in automating routine tasks and improving employee experiences was underscored across
multiple sessions. From recruitment automation to AI-powered decision-making tools, speakers emphasised
that AI is not a threat to jobs but a tool to enhance human work.
AI and automation in HR
Unlocking efficiency and empowerment
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has radically transformed HR processes, offering solutions that were
once unimaginable. At HR Connect 2024, a key focus was how AI is streamlining recruitment, performance
management, and employee engagement. The insights shared throughout the sessions provided a glimpse into
how businesses are leveraging AI to augment human potential, making HR teams more agile and effective in
their roles.
Insights and Trends
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace, organisations are experiencing the benefits of
automated systems that relieve HR professionals from time-consuming tasks. The most forward-thinking
companies are already reaping the rewards. AI is enabling faster decision-making, improving recruitment
processes, and enhancing employee engagement, all while reducing costs.
Leisl Yearsley, CEO of aKin, emphasised the critical role AI is playing in today’s HR landscape, particularly as
companies strive to optimise their workflows. Yearsley’s session, "Beyond the Hype: Insights from 20 Years
Working in AI", highlighted that while AI cannot replace human intuition, it enhances human capabilities
by taking over mundane tasks, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives.
AI gives us the ability to free up humans to do quality higher-value work,
moving beyond repetitive tasks. The more we integrate AI, the more we
can unlock human potential in HR.
Leisl Yearsley
CEO & Founder, aKin
“
”
| 93
The success of AI in automating routine tasks and improving employee experiences was underscored across
multiple sessions. From recruitment automation to AI-powered decision-making tools, speakers emphasised
that AI is not a threat to jobs but a tool to enhance human work.
| 94Balancing innovation and the human experience
Challenge
Optus faced significant delays in its recruitment
process, particularly during the early stages of
candidate interaction. The company’s manual
processes were time-consuming and required HR
teams to handle a large volume of repetitive tasks,
which slowed down recruitment and impacted
overall efficiency.
Solution
Optus partnered with Paradox AI to implement a
conversational AI assistant, Career Mate, designed to
streamline candidate interactions. This AI-driven
solution automated much of the early-stage
recruitment, including answering candidate queries
and scheduling interviews, allowing HR staff to focus
on more strategic initiatives.
New approach to hiring using AI: Optus Case Study
Results
We wanted to enable all businesses to spend less time with software and
more time with people. Our AI handles the boring, manual tasks, leaving
recruiters to focus on having meaningful conversations with qualified
candidates.
David Harden
Senior VP Client Success, Paradox AI
“
”
AI in action
• Only 11% of organisations currently use AI to
automate HR processes, despite 97% reporting
positive business impacts after AI implementation.
• Optus reduced the time to apply for candidates
from 15 minutes to under four minutes, and
interview scheduling was reduced from three days
to nine seconds.
• 40% of candidate conversations with Optus' AI
assistant occur outside of normal business hours,
offering a seamless, 24/7 engagement experience.
Key takeaway
AI is advancing quickly, and its potential to transform
HR processes is becoming clearer with each success
story. As highlighted in the sessions, the true power of
AI lies in its ability to augment human work, enabling
HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives and
improve the overall employee experience. It elevates
human potential by freeing workers from the burden
of mundane tasks, empowering them to achieve more
rather than replacing them. The future of HR is
about leveraging AI to enhance, not diminish,
human contributions.
40% of candidate
conversations occurred outside
of normal business hours,
creating a seamless 24/7
engagement experience.
Candidate application times
reduced from 15 minutes to
under four minutes, with
interview scheduling time cut
from three days to nine seconds.
95% completion rate for
interview scheduling within
two hours.
Challenge
Optus faced significant delays in its recruitment
process, particularly during the early stages of
candidate interaction. The company’s manual
processes were time-consuming and required HR
teams to handle a large volume of repetitive tasks,
which slowed down recruitment and impacted
overall efficiency.
Solution
Optus partnered with Paradox AI to implement a
conversational AI assistant, Career Mate, designed to
streamline candidate interactions. This AI-driven
solution automated much of the early-stage
recruitment, including answering candidate queries
and scheduling interviews, allowing HR staff to focus
on more strategic initiatives.
New approach to hiring using AI: Optus Case Study
Results
We wanted to enable all businesses to spend less time with software and
more time with people. Our AI handles the boring, manual tasks, leaving
recruiters to focus on having meaningful conversations with qualified
candidates.
David Harden
Senior VP Client Success, Paradox AI
“
”
AI in action
• Only 11% of organisations currently use AI to
automate HR processes, despite 97% reporting
positive business impacts after AI implementation.
• Optus reduced the time to apply for candidates
from 15 minutes to under four minutes, and
interview scheduling was reduced from three days
to nine seconds.
• 40% of candidate conversations with Optus' AI
assistant occur outside of normal business hours,
offering a seamless, 24/7 engagement experience.
Key takeaway
AI is advancing quickly, and its potential to transform
HR processes is becoming clearer with each success
story. As highlighted in the sessions, the true power of
AI lies in its ability to augment human work, enabling
HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives and
improve the overall employee experience. It elevates
human potential by freeing workers from the burden
of mundane tasks, empowering them to achieve more
rather than replacing them. The future of HR is
about leveraging AI to enhance, not diminish,
human contributions.
40% of candidate
conversations occurred outside
of normal business hours,
creating a seamless 24/7
engagement experience.
Candidate application times
reduced from 15 minutes to
under four minutes, with
interview scheduling time cut
from three days to nine seconds.
95% completion rate for
interview scheduling within
two hours.
| 95Balancing innovation and the human experience
Improving the employee experience
Driving engagement through technology
At HR Connect 2024, discussions around employee engagement and learning took centre stage, with
organisations showcasing how they're refining their Employee Value Propositions (EVPs) to deeply resonate
with their workforce. Leaders shared strategies on how technology plays a key role in ensuring that EVPs
remain relevant, personal, and connected to broader organisational values and goals.
Insights and Trends
A key theme was the ability of technology to help HR leaders align their EVP with business strategy
while catering to the diverse needs of their employees. Several leaders illustrated how they’ve used
technology to drive employee engagement, monitor satisfaction, and maintain a consistent experience
across various locations.
At WA Transport, the challenge of engaging a geographically dispersed workforce was addressed through
strategic use of feedback tools.
Meanwhile, at Gilbert + Tobin, technology has played a key role in reshaping their EVP to better support
employee development and engagement.
We try really hard to engage with
our people from a humanistic
perspective, where technology
seamlessly enables rather than
drives engagement for us. We focus
on human emotion and how people
come to work for us, making sure
technology supports that.
Isabeau Korpel
Executive Director of People and Culture, WA Transport
“
”
We’ve had to clarify our EVP around
development and training, positioning
the firm as a place where employees
can become the best in their field. It’s
about making work easier for people,
improving processes, and
implementing solutions that
support the way they work.
Aviva Leitch
Head of Business Transformation, Gilbert + Tobin
“
”
Improving the employee experience
Driving engagement through technology
At HR Connect 2024, discussions around employee engagement and learning took centre stage, with
organisations showcasing how they're refining their Employee Value Propositions (EVPs) to deeply resonate
with their workforce. Leaders shared strategies on how technology plays a key role in ensuring that EVPs
remain relevant, personal, and connected to broader organisational values and goals.
Insights and Trends
A key theme was the ability of technology to help HR leaders align their EVP with business strategy
while catering to the diverse needs of their employees. Several leaders illustrated how they’ve used
technology to drive employee engagement, monitor satisfaction, and maintain a consistent experience
across various locations.
At WA Transport, the challenge of engaging a geographically dispersed workforce was addressed through
strategic use of feedback tools.
Meanwhile, at Gilbert + Tobin, technology has played a key role in reshaping their EVP to better support
employee development and engagement.
We try really hard to engage with
our people from a humanistic
perspective, where technology
seamlessly enables rather than
drives engagement for us. We focus
on human emotion and how people
come to work for us, making sure
technology supports that.
Isabeau Korpel
Executive Director of People and Culture, WA Transport
“
”
We’ve had to clarify our EVP around
development and training, positioning
the firm as a place where employees
can become the best in their field. It’s
about making work easier for people,
improving processes, and
implementing solutions that
support the way they work.
Aviva Leitch
Head of Business Transformation, Gilbert + Tobin
“
”