In an effort to automate internal procedures and reduce repetitive work, IBM has started substituting AI agents for some of its HR (human resource) employees. As the internet giant increasingly relies on AI-powered solutions, Arvind Krishna, the company’s CEO, recently claimed that “a couple hundred” HR personnel’ jobs have been replaced by AI. This type of action also reflects a trend in which businesses are increasingly depending on AI to optimize internal procedures, hence decreasing their reliance on manual labor. Although IBM has not provided a timeframe, rumors indicate that some 200 positions have already been phased out.
It’s interesting to note that the corporation is not shrinking in general just because HR positions are being reduced. The overall number of employees at IBM has increased, with more people being hired in divisions like software engineering, marketing, and sales—areas where interpersonal, problem-solving, and human interaction are still essential.
Arvind Krishna clarified in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that automating some processes has allowed funds to be allocated to other projects. “Even though we have worked very hard at IBM to use AI and automation in some enterprise workflows, our overall employment has increased because it allows you to invest more in other areas,” he said.
In the tech industry, the usage of AI agents—software tools that can do tasks like data sorting, emailing, or processing internal requests—is rapidly gaining traction. Although there hasn’t yet been a significant wave of AI-related job losses, some businesses are halting hiring as they determine the best way to apply the technology.
These AI agents are already being deployed at IBM to manage staff transfers and perform employment verification. HR employees used to complete them by hand. The change doesn’t necessarily mean that jobs will disappear completely, according to Nickle LaMoreaux, chief human resources officer at IBM. She stated, “Very few roles will be completely replaced.” AI will probably replace repetitive tasks instead, freeing up workers to concentrate on tasks requiring judgment and decision-making.
IBM is now providing new AI services to its clients in addition to reorganizing its internal teams. The company revealed tools this week at its annual Think conference that enable companies to create and manage their own AI agents. These tools are intended to complement current platforms from companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI.
