Within weeks of OpenAI launching ChatGPT or Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, in November 2022, it has created a frenzy on how one can apply it for various tasks across industries. Interestingly, chatbots have been in use for years now and have had different applications in the digital world, mostly as automated customer interfaces on the landing or home page of a business or event website or for company intra-sites.
Built on top of OpenAI’s GPT-3 family of large language models, and then modulated with transfer learning, it is seen as the closest one has come to replicating a human-like text response to a query. Some smell disruption all around and are even putting a question mark over how it impacts the all-pervasive Google.
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OpenAI moved fast to monetise the business with a new premium version and has already got big names running after it to get a piece of the pie. Microsoft is reportedly looking to bet as much as $10 billion on it, valuing it at a staggering $29 billion. Others are also seeking to capitalize on the newfound interest in the domain with Anthropic, too, looking to scoop up a small sum, relatively speaking.
Human resource (HR) managers also see ChatGPT becoming a big force in their industry. That said, if you, as an HR manager, are considering incorporating ChatGPT into your HR operations, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of using this technology before making a decision.
Pros of using ChatGPT
# Increased Efficiency
One of the biggest benefits of using ChatGPT for HR managers is increased efficiency. ChatGPT can automate various HR tasks, such as answering common employee questions, scheduling interviews, and updating employee information. This not only saves HR managers’ time but also ensures that employees receive quick and accurate responses to their inquiries.
# Improved Communication
Such tools can make it easier for HR desks and employees to talk to each other by giving employees a quick and easy way to get information and help. This can result in improved employee satisfaction and a reduction in HR workload.
# Increased Accessibility
These tools can make HR information and support more accessible to employees, regardless of their location or schedule. This is especially useful for remote employees who may not be able to easily access HR support during regular business hours. This is especially important for cross-geography teams where the HR team is sitting in a different time-zone.
# Enhanced Data Management
ChatGPT can also help HR managers manage data more effectively by providing real-time updates and insights. This can assist HR managers in making data-driven decisions and improve overall HR operations.
Also read: Can Chatbot Technologies Replace the Human Touch in Recruiting?
Cons Of Using ChatGPT
# Limitations in Complex Situations
While ChatGPT can handle simple HR tasks effectively, it may struggle with complex situations that require human judgment and empathy. This can lead to incorrect responses or a lack of resolution for HR-related issues.
# Potential Privacy Concerns
The use of ChatGPT may raise privacy concerns for employees, as their personal information and questions may be stored and processed by a machine. HR managers must ensure that proper security measures are in place to protect employee data as ChatGPT would get access to sensitive employee information.
There is also a risk that the information entered into ChatGPT could be inaccurate or biased, leading to incorrect decisions or outcomes. Also, there are issues related to data retention (how long HR data is stored with ChatGPT and who has access to it), data ownership, and compliance with relevant data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU.
# Cost
Using ChatGPT can be expensive, especially for small to medium-sized organizations. The cost of integrating and maintaining the technology may outweigh the benefits for some organizations. Its new version, ChatGPT Plus, is currently only available to customers in the US through OpenAI will begin the process of inviting people from its waitlist in the coming months and move to other countries and regions in the near future.
OpenAI moved fast to monetise the business with a new premium version and has already got big names running after it to get a piece of the pie. Microsoft is reportedly looking to bet as much as $10 billion on it, valuing it at a staggering $29 billion. Others are also seeking to capitalize on the newfound interest in the domain with Anthropic, too, looking to scoop up a small sum, relatively speaking.
# Dependence on Technology
Relying too heavily on ChatGPT can lead to dependence on technology and a reduction in the human touch in HR operations. HR managers must strike a balance between utilizing technology and maintaining personal interaction with employees.
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End note
While ChatGPT is trained on a vast amount of text data, it may still struggle with understanding the context and nuances of specific HR scenarios and may provide inaccurate or inappropriate responses. Moreover, its performance is limited by the quality and relevance of the training data it was exposed to, so it may not be able to handle novel or unexpected HR scenarios.
Moreover, integrating ChatGPT with HR systems can be a technically complex process and may require specialized expertise to set up and maintain. It also relies on natural language processing to understand and respond to user queries but technology is not perfect and may struggle with complex or ambiguous queries, leading to inaccurate responses.
While one should not dismiss the technology outright just because it tends to partly dehumanise the HR function, its adoption could bring benefits by automating several routine chores while evolving HR managers to bring the essential human touch and feel to their role. A similar example would be the use of robots in various factories for precision work, as was predicted two-three decades back. Just as the robots have not taken over the factory floor, which is still handled by humans, ChatGPT is unlikely to replace HR managers in the foreseeable future!
