According to the IBM CEO Study, productivity and profitability have become the top priorities for CEOs, surpassing previous concerns. The study highlights the increasing importance of AI and technology modernization, with nearly 60% of CEOs predicting a rise in the influence of HR executives. IBM recommends five strategies to meet these demands, including rethinking the C-suite, creating an AI-agent flywheel and preparing for unpredictable futures. The study also notes the growing role of chief AI officers, with over 75% of CEOs now having one, up from 25% last year.

Spatial computing, which integrates AI, AR, VR and digital twins, is rapidly transforming industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. Unlike the metaverse, spatial computing enhances real-world interactions with digital information, enabling remote surgery and advanced manufacturing processes. Experts highlight the importance of viewing this technology as a tool that augments human capabilities rather than replaces them, urging HR leaders to be proactive in adopting it.

Job candidates are dissatisfied with AI's role in the hiring process, with 70% of respondents to a Greenhouse survey saying they were unaware AI would evaluate them. Greenhouse's research reveals that 38% of US candidates have withdrawn from hiring processes involving AI interviews, citing reasons such as AI-scored pre-recorded video interviews and a lack of transparency from employers.

The executive job market has shifted from an application-driven process to a selection-driven one, with companies identifying candidates who align with specific needs before a formal hiring process begins, writes Martin Rowinski, the CEO of BoardSi. Reverse recruiting has gained popularity, but it only improves efficiency and does not address the core issue of positioning. "Executives who advance are those who can clearly communicate their value, demonstrate it consistently and align it with the right opportunities," Rowinski writes.

Although AI holds promise for reducing bias in recruitment, most HR professionals remain hesitant to harness it for this purpose. Experts like Daniel Chait of Greenhouse and Shabrina Davis of Amazon emphasize that AI, when properly governed and trained, can detect and mitigate unconscious biases that often go unnoticed in human-led hiring. However, concerns persist that unregulated AI may also amplify existing biases, underscoring the importance of careful implementation and oversight.

ServiceNow has unveiled a plan to double revenue to $30 billion in four years by managing enterprise AI through tools such as Action Fabric, Otto and AI Control Tower. The strategy positions ServiceNow as the main management platform for AI agents, competing with Microsoft and Workday.

Kristin Supancich, the chief people officer for Ahead, says employees are grieving the loss of aspects of their jobs they enjoyed as AI transforms their roles, rather than fearing AI. This grief shows up more in process-driven roles, she says, and she recommends human resources professionals listen to employees' concerns and acknowledge their feelings to help them transition.