IBM HR Chief: AI Augments Jobs, Doesn’t Replace; India Key to Skill-Based Hiring

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, IBM’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Nickle LaMoreaux, emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) won’t entirely replace jobs at IBM. Instead, AI will supplement tasks, allowing employees to transition to higher-value roles.

LaMoreaux clarified that CEO Arvind Krishna‘s earlier statement about potentially pausing hiring for AI-replaceable roles was taken out of context.

She stated that only about 2% of jobs might be eliminated, and another 2% created anew, with the real challenge lying in the transformation of the remaining 96% of jobs.

LaMoreaux expressed concerns about the misperception of AI as a replacement technology, emphasizing its role as a supplement.

She highlighted IBM’s global efforts to move professionals to higher-value work, adapting to changing job dynamics. According to her, AI could be crucial for countries facing labor shortages due to demographic challenges.

India, home to nearly one-third of IBM’s workforce, plays a pivotal role in the company’s AI capabilities.

 LaMoreaux praised India’s demographic advantage and the significant investment in skills development. She revealed that almost 50% of IBM’s global workforce is AI-trained, with plans to increase this figure in the next 12 to 24 months.

LaMoreaux envisions 100% of IBM employees understanding AI, emphasizing its transformative impact on various job roles.

She highlighted the shift towards skill-based hiring, with a focus on technical and engineering talent for AI products.

IBM’s hiring strategy in India revolves around campus hires and targeted senior hiring based on domain and industry expertise.

In the face of global economic uncertainties, LaMoreaux sees India as uniquely positioned due to its demographic dividend and ongoing investments in skills development.

While she didn’t disclose specific hiring numbers, she emphasized IBM’s steady growth in India, particularly in AI-related skills.

LaMoreaux’s optimism about the country’s skills landscape aligns with IBM’s commitment to fostering talent growth from within, making skill-based hiring a strategic focus for the company.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The moneycontrol