Automation. Augmentation. Autonomy.
Three words coming up in almost every conversation I have about GenAI in the workplace.
I spend a lot of time with business teams and if you look at HR specifically, here's some examples of what each one looks like in practice:
- Automation: Using AI to carry out a specific task.
Examples: Drafting job descriptions, creating onboarding materials and generating first draft policy communications.
- Augmentation: You collaborate with AI to produce stronger outputs, I refer to this as 'using AI as an assistant'. Rather than doing the whole task for you, it helps you explore ideas, refine content, challenge assumptions and learn about topics you may not have known before.
Examples: Brainstorming ideas together to improve engagement and providing feedback on a set of learning objectives for a new course.
- Autonomy: Where AI works independently on your behalf.
Examples: Scheduling a daily briefing — no daily prompting required, a formatted report saved to your folder.
Most organisations are at stage 1, with a growing number moving into stage 2. What's important to remember is that none of the stages are more superior to the other.
Each has its place. But knowing how to use all three well is where the real advantage lies.
