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The Transformation of HR Evaluation in the Age of AI

As we move deeper into the AI era, the skills that HR departments prioritize are beginning to evolve significantly. A recent survey conducted by Corner Inc., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, surveyed around 300 HR professionals to understand this shift, revealing intriguing insights into the new competencies that are becoming essential.

Changing Landscape of HR Evaluation

Traditionally, HR focused on metrics such as speed and accuracy in job execution. However, the emerging trend highlights a growing appreciation for abilities that go beyond mere productivity. HR professionals are increasingly valuing skills like critical questioning and hypothesis formulation—abilities that facilitate the transformation of work processes with AI outputs as a baseline.

One of the survey findings suggested that organizations are now more interested in hiring individuals who not only operate AI but also excel at evaluating and editing AI-generated outputs to design and improve workflows effectively. This represents a shift in perspective where the emphasis is on how one can leverage AI capabilities rather than just having the technical know-how to handle AI tools.

Key Qualities in Demand

In various open-ended responses, HR leaders described the characteristics of desirable candidates in this new landscape. Here are some profiles that emerged:

• - Judgment and Adaptability: HR leaders from the finance sector (over 5,000 employees) expressed the value of individuals who can use AI outputs as a foundation for decision-making rather than accepting them at face value.
• - Data-Driven Flexibility: IT executives (under 1,000 employees) are looking for talent who can combine data insights with a broader strategic vision, presenting data in stories that guide executive decisions.
• - Analytical Skills: Manufacturers (under 1,000 employees) recognized the necessity of candidates possessing strong analytical and hypothesis-building skills, enabling them to design processes and workflows.
• - Project Versatility: Ad agencies (10-100 employees) sought professionals who can differentiate between tasks suited for AI automation and those requiring human insight, adapting their approach based on project demands.
• - Comprehensive Understanding of Technology: Transport and logistics sectors (between 100-1,000 employees) highlighted the importance of understanding technology deeply enough to influence design decisions.

Broader Focus Areas in HR

The research indicates a notable expansion in the areas HR must engage with. Alongside traditional operational improvements like recruiting and training, there’s a growing emphasis on reevaluating the frameworks and metrics used in performance assessments and talent management. The study identified both evaluation processes and talent management as critical focus areas for future development.

This trend suggests that the role of HR is not merely transitioning to a design-oriented function, but instead, HR is navigating between operational and strategic realms, revising the criteria that inform its foundational judgments.

Insights from Corner's CHRO, Takuhiro Monma

In a recent commentary, Takuhiro Monma remarked on the duality of AI's current role within organizations and its separation from strategic HR functions. He suggested that HR is starting to grasp the 'next essential skills' necessary for the future. This shift highlights a paradigm where critical thinking and the ability to construct hypotheses are taking precedence over speed or precision. Essentially, the future of work, guided by AI, is about rethinking how tasks and judgments are organized.

He further emphasized that HR's evolving focus is not confined to hiring and training but extends to reorganizing the foundational assessment criteria for talent utilization.

Survey Overview

• - Title: HR and Organizational Dynamics in the AI Era
• - Participants: HR professionals and department heads
• - Duration: December 2-8, 2025
• - Sample Size: 259 participants
• - Conducted by: Corner Inc.
• - Method: Online survey

For detailed report downloads or further inquiries on improving your HR strategies, please visit Corner's website.

Corner Inc. embodies the purpose of 'changing HR, changing organizations, and ultimately, changing the world.' Founded by Takuhiro Monma in 2016, the company specializes in coordinating diverse organizational challenges, from recruitment to DE&I promotion, creating a network of over 10,000 parallel workers.

For consulting requests or if you're considering parallel work opportunities, reach out for professional support from our dedicated consultants.