Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we look at self-appraisals, transforming a task that many have found stressful into something more approachable and fair. By tackling the biases and subjectivity that often come with traditional reviews, AI is creating a more standardized and equitable evaluation process.
According to Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index, a hefty 75% of professionals worldwide, including architects and scientists, are already using AI tools in their daily work. When Oracle introduced an AI-driven performance review system in 2023, a remarkable 89% of employees jumped on board as eager early adopters.
Triparna de Vreede, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida, points out how traditional evaluations can be quite subjective, often influenced by workplace dynamics. Employees might feel good about their performance but still lack clarity on how their efforts align with company goals. Recency bias can further muddle reviews, where recent mistakes overshadow earlier successes.
AI tools come to the rescue by helping craft performance stories that align with company objectives, giving managers a more balanced way to provide feedback. This method helps standardize responses and reduce the perception of favoritism.
With AI’s objective analysis, employees are more likely to engage openly, trusting that their achievements will be judged fairly. Dorothy Leidner from the University of Virginia noticed this during a Johnson & Johnson case study, where AI was used to accurately gauge digital skills.
Women often face unique challenges in self-evaluations, sometimes being labeled as ’emotional’ instead of ‘assertive.’ A study by Textio found gender-biased language in performance reviews. AI can help track achievements and combat imposter syndrome, enabling women to see their true contributions.
Despite the leaps AI has made, human oversight is still vital. Companies like Oracle and Textio, whose AI tools are used by 25% of Fortune 500 companies, need to ensure privacy and transparency regarding AI’s access to personal data.
De Vreede stresses the importance of human interaction in capturing essential soft skills during evaluations. While AI can streamline the process, it should complement human judgment to provide a well-rounded view of an employee’s performance.
The partnership between AI and human insight promises to make the evaluation process more comprehensive and fair. It’s a step forward in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and understood.
