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Supporting employees through crises + AI in HR

Today’s edition takes a thoughtful look at how HR leaders can support employees affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, alongside insights on the rise of AI agents.

January 10, 2025

Welcome to 2025!

Today’s edition takes a thoughtful look at how HR leaders can support employees affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, alongside insights on the rise of AI agents.

Let’s dive in and navigate this together.

AI agents are the new hires—so who’s their boss?

AI agents are sliding into the workforce faster than you might think. At CES this week, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang laid out a bold vision: these digital coworkers won’t just need software updates—they’ll need HR-style onboarding.

Why it matters: NVIDIA’s new AI Blueprints let companies integrate AI agents into their systems, handling everything from customer complaints to tedious admin work. Huang predicts IT departments will evolve into the HR teams for these digital employees.

“In the future, IT will be the HR department of AI agents,” Huang explained. Think less about fixing servers and more about training AI on company values, product goals, and office lingo.

The psychology of it all: Introducing AI agents isn’t just a tech challenge; it’s a people challenge. Social science research tells us that change—especially the kind that might upend job security—can make employees uneasy. If workers feel like their jobs are being chipped away, engagement and morale take a hit.

Arthur Jago, a management expert, suggests it’s on leaders to make this transition feel human. "How leaders communicate and roll out these changes will make or break how employees adapt," he says.

Zoom out: By 2025, 30% of companies could have “digital employees,” says Chris Daden, CTO at Criteria. But the shift comes with a to-do list. Companies need systems that don’t just deploy AI models—they also need to monitor their behavior, ensure alignment with values, and, yes, manage digital-employee dynamics just like with human teams.

The balancing act: While IT teams may lead on the technical side, HR can’t sit this one out. “HR teams understand culture, relationships, and how work gets done,” says Cliff Jurkiewicz, VP at Phenom. “IT needs to partner with HR to make sure AI agents don’t just work—they fit.”

The big picture: Leaders are navigating a new frontier: managing hybrid teams of humans and AIs. It’s not just about technical expertise—it’s about people skills, empathy, and understanding the ripple effects of change.

Dan Kaplan from Korn Ferry puts it simply: “HR will need new tools, and leaders will need new mindsets. Managing human and digital workers together? That’s the next big challenge.”

Whether you’re an HR exec or a founder, one thing’s clear: the future of work just got a lot more layered. And hey, maybe IT and HR are due for a team-up anyway.

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How HR leaders can support employees affected by the Los Angeles wildfires

Wildfires are tearing through Los Angeles, with over 100,000 acres burned, thousands of structures destroyed, and nearly 180,000 residents evacuated. Amid this devastation, many workers are displaced, facing emotional and financial strain.

Why it matters: For affected employees, this is more than a disaster—it’s a life-altering event. HR leaders have a chance to go beyond legal requirements and truly support their teams during this crisis.

What to do: Experts say clear communication, flexibility, and access to benefits are key. Employees need guidance on available support, from financial assistance to mental health resources. This isn’t the time for “minimum effort,” says John Staines of DHR Global. “Treat your employees like family.”

Empathy first: Showing understanding is critical, adds Emily Rose McRae from Gartner. “This isn’t about rushing back to normal—it’s about meeting people where they are.”

Now’s the time for HR leaders to step up, offering stability and care when it’s needed most.