⚖ Akamai's Balanced Approach to AI in HR

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💥 HR Trend Spotlight: Return-to-Office Pushes Stir Friction

Companies enforcing stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies are facing growing resistance from employees. According to a recent report, many workers are re-evaluating their job options in response to these mandates, with flexibility now ranking higher than salary for a large segment of the workforce. Read more.

🎧 HR Insights

AI-powered mental health tools are gaining ground in HR strategies, especially in companies looking for scalable ways to support employee wellbeing. These platforms use algorithms to detect signs of stress or burnout based on behavioral patterns, communication tone, or survey responses. Early adopters are using these tools to trigger automated check-ins, suggest breaks, or connect employees with human counselors. While not a replacement for professional care, AI can serve as an early warning system, alerting HR before issues escalate..

💡 HR Tips & Tricks

Tip of the Day: Let teams meet without a preset agenda once a month to talk openly about what’s working, what’s not, and where they need support. It builds trust, surfaces hidden problems early, and encourages honest feedback in a low-pressure setting.

Trick of the Day: Ask employees to submit short monthly updates on their proudest contribution or hardest challenge, with a simple date tag. When performance reviews roll around, you’ll have a clear timeline of achievements and context—making reviews faster, fairer, and more grounded in real events.

🧾 HR Case Files - Akamai's Balanced Approach to AI in HR

In HR, Akamai remains cautious, mainly due to concerns around inclusion. The company uses native AI features in its new cloud-based HR solution to help with tasks like objective setting. While recruiting, they avoid full AI-based candidate matching. Instead, they use a CRM with AI functionality, a job description library, and a technical evaluation tool with features like plagiarism detection, tool monitoring, and code behavior tracking—aimed at ensuring a fair assessment.

Two AI pilot programs are also in play: a chatbot offering “neuro intelligence” support for managers, and a task-guidance tool to assist users through HR processes. Akamai continues to test and expand its AI usage with a long-term view.

Key Takeaways

• Akamai is using AI cautiously, focusing on productivity without replacing human roles.

• Its recruiting tools are built for fairness, not automation.

• The HR team is piloting AI tools that assist managers and support HR tasks.

• Inclusion and responsible use of AI are core parts of the company’s approach.

🧰 HR Toolbox

Stay equipped with the latest HR events and resources.

Resource of the Day

Vietnam has launched an ambitious plan to use AI tutors to help produce thousands of new engineers each year. The education ministry is integrating AI-based learning into its programs to scale technical education quickly and address global labor demands. For HR leaders, this signals a growing trend: governments are investing in workforce-ready education through AI. Employers may soon find international candidates with strong skills developed through non-traditional education paths. It also points to the expanding role of AI in talent pipelines worldwide.

Event of the Day

The Conference Board’s “PeopleFirst: Opportunity + Access” summit will take place on June 12-13 at Brooklyn NY, focusing on equity, inclusion, and unlocking talent from underrepresented groups. The event will feature panels on closing opportunity gaps, fair hiring, and building more accessible workplaces. This summit is expected to attract leaders from HR, DEI, and talent management who want to link inclusion strategies directly to performance and growth.

For event details and registration, visit the website. 

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