Each week, as SHRM’s executive in residence for AI+HI, I scour the media landscape to bring you expert summaries of the biggest AI headlines — and what they mean for you and your business.
1. Workday Launches AI Agent System of Record — HR or IT?
What to Know:
Workday has introduced the Agent System of Record, a platform for managing artificial intelligence agents alongside human employees. It provides tools for onboarding, governance, compliance, monitoring, and performance tracking of AI-driven digital workers. Workday argues that since AI agents perform HR and finance tasks, they should be managed similarly to human employees. However, IT service management vendors, including ServiceNow and Boomi, are also launching AI agent registries, raising the question of whether AI agents fall under HR or IT oversight.
Why It Matters:
HR leaders need to clarify their role in AI workforce management. While AI agents will impact HR functions — such as payroll, contracts, and policy compliance — governance, security, and IT integration remain critical concerns. Collaboration between HR and IT is essential to ensure responsible AI deployment since it helps maintain compliance, fairness, and workforce stability as digital labor expands.
2. The Job Market Is Frozen
What to Know:
Despite low unemployment, the U.S. job market is stagnant — workers aren’t quitting, and employers aren’t hiring. Hiring rates have fallen to Great Recession-era levels, particularly in white-collar industries such as finance, tech, and professional services. The hiring freeze is driven by corporate fears of economic uncertainty, past hiring struggles during the Great Resignation, and political instability. The few industries still adding jobs — health care and government among them — aren’t enough to offset the slowdown.
Why It Matters:
For HR leaders, talent mobility has slowed, making it harder to fill roles and retain engaged employees. Workers feeling “stuck” in their positions report lower job satisfaction and career growth opportunities, which could impact long-term productivity and innovation. Companies must rethink their retention strategies, internal mobility programs, and workforce planning to navigate the ongoing labor market freeze.
3. How to Tell if Your Job Candidate Is an AI Deepfake
What to Know:
AI-generated deepfake candidates are infiltrating hiring processes to steal company data, commit fraud, or funnel money to bad actors. Scammers use AI-manipulated video and voice tools to impersonate job seekers, often for remote tech positions. Some are linked to nation-state operations like North Korea, while others are individual fraudsters selling access to corporate systems. Experts warn that deepfake technology is becoming more convincing, making detection harder.
Why It Matters:
HR leaders must strengthen identity verification in hiring to prevent fraud. Warning signs include delayed video activation, blurred LinkedIn profiles, and suspicious resumes. Companies should require live, multi-platform interviews, use deepfake detection tools, and train recruiters to spot AI manipulation. With deepfake scams rising, HR must collaborate with cybersecurity teams to protect hiring integrity and company security.
4. Google’s ‘Career Dreamer’ Uses AI to Explore Job Paths
What to Know:
Google has launched Career Dreamer, an AI-powered tool designed to help users identify career possibilities based on their skills, education, and interests. The tool generates a career identity statement, which can be used in resumes or interviews, and provides a visual web of job options. Unlike job boards, Career Dreamer doesn’t link to actual job postings but serves as an exploration tool to help users frame their experiences for career transitions.
Why It Matters:
For HR leaders, this signals a shift toward AI-assisted career planning. Employees may increasingly use AI tools to navigate job mobility and upskilling, making it important for companies to offer internal career development support.