3 Focus Areas for Human-First AI Adoption

Amid the rapid rise of AI in the workplace, a striking paradox has emerged: Less than half of U.S. workers (45%) report using AI in their jobs today, according to the SHRM report From Adoption to Empowerment: Shaping the AI-Driven Workforce of Tomorrow. Even more surprising, a Gallup survey found that over two-thirds (67%) of employees never use AI, despite 77% of workers in a PwC survey expressing eagerness to embrace new ways of working. 

Jake Herway, managing partner and health care innovation lead at ValueAdd group, unpacked this disconnect during his session at SHRM25 in San Diego. He explained that the core issue lies in the inability to bridge the gap between enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and actionable behavioral change — a challenge that prevents organizations from fully realizing AI’s potential to enhance productivity, creativity, and enjoyment at work. This isn’t due to a lack of training, awareness, or budget; rather, it stems from the absence of a human-centric approach.

Herway emphasized that unlocking AI’s full potential requires prioritizing the unique human contributions that no machine can replicate. HR professionals have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in this revolution by embodying the principle of “human first, tech second.”

A Human Upgrade

Herway introduced the concept of the “human upgrade,” which is realizing that AI adoption and digital transformation are about changing the way humans think. To achieve a successful human upgrade, he advised organizations to focus on three areas: mindsets, principles, and tools.

    1. Mindsets

The right mindset is crucial for success in the AI-driven workplace, Herway said. Leaders need to view AI not as a replacement for human capabilities but as a tool to amplify them. This mindset shift requires leaders to foster curiosity, adaptability, and a growth-oriented perspective so their organizations can thrive in the AI era.

 
Developing the right mindset is also about recognizing the urgency of adaptation. Herway noted that having a speed-focused mindset is a competitive advantage in the AI era, as it allows organizations to act decisively and stay ahead of the curve. 

A time-oriented mindset can not only help leaders make strategic decisions, it can also speed up organizationwide processes. Herway stressed that organizations must adopt AI in a way that aligns with AI workplace policies and enables them to achieve in days or weeks what traditionally takes months or years.

Leaders who fail to act quickly and decisively risk falling behind their competitors, he warned. However, it’s important to remember that this urgency mindset must be paired with purposeful adoption and supported by AI workplace training to ensure employees are equipped to leverage AI effectively.

    2. Principles

One of the core principles Herway shared was authenticity. “The more personal your narrative is, the more universally applicable it is,” he explained. When leaders can relate to their employees and colleagues, it is easier to build trust and stronger connections, making employees feel valued and understood. Authenticity helps leaders foster collaboration and respect, which is particularly vital in the AI-driven workplace where human connection remains irreplaceable.

This principle underscores the shared humanity that connects us all, regardless of our roles or industries. By embracing authenticity and vulnerability, leaders can create narratives that resonate broadly, fostering trust and engagement within their teams. 

The other core principles Herway emphasized were emotional intelligence, human empathy, and creativity. Together, these can create a foundation of trust and engagement for your teams. 

Herway reminded attendees that AI cannot replicate human empathy, creativity, or emotional intelligence, which are essential qualities for effective leadership. “The opportunity for us is to be very clear about what’s most important to us and what we are going to do differently once we free up, or create a new way of working,” he said. These principles should guide organizations as they implement AI workplace training to ensure employees are equipped to work alongside AI tools effectively. 
 

Lastly, the principles of collaboration and continuous learning allow leaders to empower their teams to leverage AI effectively. This approach not only drives productivity but also enhances employee engagement and satisfaction, creating a win-win scenario for organizations and their workforce.

    3. Tools

Herway also discussed the importance of tools in the AI adoption and human upgrade process. Whether it’s leveraging AI in the workplace for data analysis or adopting collaborative platforms to streamline workflows, the right tools can empower teams to achieve results faster and more effectively.  

“What we see limits or liberates what we can do, and what we do then determines how much we grow,” he said. This highlights the need for leaders to equip themselves and their teams with tools that expand their perspectives and capabilities, especially as organizations integrate AI workplace training to ensure employees are prepared to use these tools effectively. 
 
In addition to selecting the right tools, Herway stressed the importance of intentional implementation. Tools must be integrated thoughtfully into workflows to complement human strengths rather than overshadow them. AI tools can assist by analyzing data to support smarter decisions and automating repetitive tasks so employees can focus on more important work that involves critical thinking and is focused on people. Herway urged leaders to prioritize tools that boost teamwork and creativity while improving efficiency. By adopting AI workplace policies that emphasize collaboration and innovation, organizations can ensure that technology helps people reach their full potential and fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Human First, Tech Second

Thinking about the human-centric approach to AI serves as a powerful reminder that the true promise of the technology lies in its ability to enhance, not replace, human contributions. By adopting the “human first, tech second” approach, organizations can unlock AI’s full potential while staying grounded in their values and purpose. 

Herway’s insights on upgrading mindsets, principles, and tools provide a practical road map for leaders looking to accelerate their AI adoption and achieve transformative results.

HR professionals have a unique opportunity to lead this revolution by implementing AI to enhance HR processes and demonstrating how to prioritize retaining employees in the process. Now is the time to embrace uniquely human strengths and use them as the foundation for purposeful AI integration.