Why Does HR Exist? AI Redefines Everything, And Here’s Why.

Why Does HR Exist? AI Redefines Everything, And Here’s Why.

From Josh Bersin by Josh Bersin

June 6, 2026 · 18 min

About this episode

Josh Bersin discusses the evolving role of Human Resources in the age of AI and automation.

As we prepare to launch the HR 2030 Initiative next week, I pose an important question. What IS the real role of Human Resources in a world of AI, automation, and business acceleration? As you’ll hear, we believe HR is no longer the policy police, recruiting, training, or pay department. In a world of Agents, a new role has emerged: Dynamic Enablement for Growth. Today I discuss the historic role HR has played over the years, why many people distrust or misunderstand HR, and how HR emerges with an even more important role in the future. And in a world where CEOs believe automation will eliminate many of their workers, HR’s job is not to fight the trend, but rather accelerate it. And the result will be business growth, new career opportunities, and plenty of new jobs. This coming week at Irresistible 2026 we launch HR 2030 and also The Josh Bersin Institute, a new education and credentialing business to prepare every HR professional, HR leader, consultant, and HR vendor to learn and thrive in this new world. All the details are coming this week. I welcome your comments on this topic and I look forward to seeing our 450+ attendees at Irresistible on Monday at USC in Los…

People in this episode

Host: Josh Bersin

Topics covered

  • Human Resources
  • AI and Automation
  • Business Growth
  • Dynamic Enablement
  • HR Transformation
  • Career Opportunities

Keywords

  • HR
  • AI
  • automation
  • business growth
  • Dynamic Enablement
  • career opportunities
  • HR 2030
  • Irresistible 2026

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HR 2030 Initiative, The Josh Bersin Institute

Places: USC, Los Angeles

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