Facing an Ethical Dilemma? Bravo! It Means You’re Using AI the Right Way!
Navigating the Ethics of AI in Workplace!
Just like you, I’ve been thinking a lot about what would truly mean ‘ethical’ use of AI at work. This isn’t just a thought experiment; it’s a question we’re all going to face as AI starts creeping more into our work lives.
But as this technology grows more powerful, so do the questions around its ethical use.
What is ethics tied to? Your work culture? Your thought leaders and their leadership styles? Your company’s vision and mission? All of the above and more, right?
The funny thing about ‘ethics’ is that it can feel a bit like a moving target, especially when you’re dealing with a tool as complex and dynamic as AI. What feels ethical to one person might feel like an overstep to another.
And in the world of HR, where we’re responsible not just for productivity but also for people’s well-being and trust, getting this right is more than just a checkbox—it’s CORE to our MISSION.
No matter what role you play, as a team member, individual contributor or leader, always refer to the “Ethics Playbook” that’s in your back pocket when thinking about an AI use case and I would go as far as to say - the FIRST question you should be asking yourself is “Is this an ETHICAL/RESPONSIBLE use of AI”?
It is actually great to feel like:
Let’s bring this closer to home with a real-world example.
I recently came across a video of an AI-powered surveillance camera tracking employees in an office, labeling them as ‘working’ or ‘not working’ based on their movements. The goal? To maximize productivity, of course.
In my view, this is one of the worst uses of AI—especially one that absolutely shouldn’t involve a ‘human in the loop’ watching these videos.
Here’s why - Does this actually create a healthier, more motivated workplace, or does it create an environment where people feel more like monitored objects than trusted team members?
Here is an image from that workplace monitoring AI-powered surveillance camera.
So, how do you keep AI on the ethical side? Here are a few key questions to ask whenever a new AI tool is on the table:
Does this tool respect employee privacy, or does it cross personal boundaries?
Is the AI enhancing/augmenting productivity or simply replacing valuable human insight?
Are we using this tool transparently, with open communication to all team members?
Does this tool align with our values and mission, fostering trust rather than eroding it?
If you can’t confidently answer ‘yes’ to each of these, it might be time to reconsider whether the tool truly adds value—or if it’s edging into ‘Big Brother’ territory.
Ethical AI use goes beyond the technology itself; it’s about the intention behind it. When we lead with trust, transparency, and respect, we create workplaces where people feel valued, and AI becomes an ally, not an overseer.
A better use of AI-powered surveillance cameras might be in environments where safety is paramount—like a manufacturing plant. Here, AI can help identify risky behaviors, such as employees entering restricted areas without protective gear or standing too close to heavy machinery. This isn’t about monitoring productivity; it’s about proactively ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, potentially preventing accidents before they happen.
Remember this:
As we step into an AI-driven future, let’s make sure we’re building tools—and cultures—that reflect our values and uplift our people. Because when it comes to AI in HR, it’s not just about what we can do, but what we should do!"