HR becomes ethical AI gatekeeper as global compliance demands intensify
HR leaders will need to lead the ethical implementation of artificial intelligence tools in their workplaces as organisations enter a new phase of AI adoption amid emerging compliance requirements globally, according to a new forecast.
The 2026 trends report from Deel underscored that HR will be the "architect of the human-machine enterprise" as workplaces leverage generative AI and experiment with agentic AI.
"In 2026, their role is to architect environments where humans and machines can live and thrive, side by side," the report read.
According to the report, HR teams should assess their readiness in AI literacy, compliance exposure, and technical integration in order to operationalise AI safely and effectively at work.
AI forecasts for 2026
The recommendations come in the wake of growing adoption of AI tools in the workplace, even in the HR department.
The report pointed out that AI is becoming deeply integrated into HR processes, such as hiring, learning, and performance management, introducing new organisational risks and concerns from jobseekers.
"The deployment of any AI solution means HR must evolve from being a consumer of AI technology to being the primary steward of its ethical and responsible implementation across borders," the report read.
This AI deployment also comes with different levels of compliance requirements globally, according to the report.
The EU AI Act classifies HR systems that impact employment as High-Risk AI, introducing explicit training requirements for all staff involved in AI adoption, and forcing HR to manage a new compliance burden.
In the United States, the US AI Action Plan pushes HR leaders to prioritise non-traditional talent pipelines and skills-based training through the initiative's skills development programmes.
In Singapore, HR leaders are encouraged to align internal upskilling programmes in accordance with a "people-first strategy" that will give employees experience to work alongside AI.
In the United Kingdom, HR leaders are told to integrate externally driven upskilling resources into their learning strategies as the government aims to train 7.5 million workers in essential AI skills by 2030.
"Wherever you're based, championing ethical AI is a core component of your global compliance strategy," the report read.
"HR is uniquely positioned to lead the internal effort to reduce algorithmic bias and define the necessary checkpoints where human judgment and empathy both override an algorithm's output."
