AI, as we know, is driving significant efficiency gains across workplaces. 

Yet, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the absence of comprehensive governance frameworks could create implementation challenges and inconsistencies for HR leaders, as organisations scale these systems across multiple jurisdictions. 

The lack of structured policies around AI deployment can undermine workforce confidence in these technologies, the report says, which advocates for a federal framework to establish national-level legislation in the US.

"AI is no longer emerging; it's fundamentally transforming how work gets done across every sector," says Emily Dickens, Chief Administrative Officer of SHRM.

"As adoption accelerates, employers face a fragmented and rapidly-evolving policy landscape that lacks alignment with today's workplace realities.

"What organisations urgently need is a clear, risk-based federal framework – one that delivers consistency, fosters innovation and establishes robust guardrails."

Efficiency gains drive widespread adoption

Despite governance gaps, the report reveals that AI deployments are delivering measurable success across organisations.

The research demonstrates that 89% of HR leaders report greater efficiency from AI implementation, while 36% observe reduced hiring costs and 24% indicate their organisations have established new job roles attributable to the technology.

The impact on employment has been less severe than initially projected, with only 7% of respondents reporting AI-driven redundancies. This occurs even as 15.1% of US employment – equivalent to 23 million jobs – has become at least half automated.

Alongside this technological shift, more than a third of respondents noted changes in worker responsibilities.

Meanwhile, 57% of HR leaders reported increased upskilling or reskilling initiatives for employees.

Innovation requires regulatory clarity

As AI adoption accelerates across the US, the absence of a unified federal framework is amplifying operational complexity and risk for organisations deploying these technologies, according to SHRM.

The report advocates for a balanced national policy, which it describes as "essential to protect workers, drive innovation and ensure consistent standards, especially as the workforce faces rapid shifts in job roles and skills amid uncertainty about the long-term impact of AI". 

While the report acknowledges that synchronising technological innovation with workforce readiness and governance presents a "challenge," it recommends organisations address AI implementation concerns transparently with employees to establish trust and accountability while advancing business objectives.

At the federal level, the report urges policymakers to align regulations more closely with workforce requirements to prevent algorithmic bias and promote responsible AI deployment.

State-level frameworks emerge

Some state-level legislation is already taking effect – including the Safeguarding Human Intelligence and Employment in Labour Displacement Act (HF4369) in Minnesota.

This bill mandates employers to issue advance notice to employees' labour representatives, the Minnesota Department of Labour and Industry, local officials and the regional office board, informing them of anticipated redundancies 90 days prior.

Under this legislation, employers would also need to document technological developments being implemented and outline programmes designed to retain employees within the organisation.

While such measures could strengthen AI governance frameworks, there is currently no indication this approach could be adopted at a national level.