The Human Side of Hiring in the Age of AI

There’s no denying it: Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work. From screening job applications to reviewing patient records, AI is powering faster, smarter systems in healthcare and technology alike. But at H2B, we believe one thing still holds true—at the heart of every great hire is a human connection.

So, what does AI mean for the future of employment? And how should businesses prepare?

A Tool, Not a Threat

Let’s start with the good news: AI isn’t here to take every job—it’s here to change them (and it already has been for years). A 2023 study from the World Economic Forum found that while AI will displace 83 million jobs globally by 2027, it’s also expected to create 69 million new ones—many in healthcare and tech. The takeaway? The future isn’t jobless—it’s just different.

Additionally, according to McKinsey, healthcare and technology are among the sectors most likely to see job growth from AI adoption, especially in roles that blend technical expertise with human interaction.

In healthcare, AI is already helping doctors diagnose diseases faster, predict patient needs, and reduce administrative burdens. But even the most advanced algorithm can’t replace the empathy of a bedside nurse or the trust patients place in their care teams. Likewise in tech, while generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are streamlining coding tasks, they still rely on human oversight, creativity, and critical thinking.

A Shift in Skills

AI may be transforming tools and workflows, but it’s also reshaping what it means to be a great fit. Today’s top candidates bring more than just technical know-how—they bring adaptability, curiosity, and heart.

That’s especially true in healthcare and tech, where demand is rising for people who can partner with AI—not be replaced by it. Roles like health data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and even AI ethicists are growing fast. In fact, the U.S. Career Institute highlights healthcare as one of the fields least likely to be automated—because it relies so heavily on human judgment, communication, and care. That means while AI can support patient outcomes, it won’t replace the professionals at the core of the experience.

The same is true across industries: even as tools get smarter, it’s human skills that stand out. Empathy, adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration are more valuable than ever.

In tech, engineers might be working alongside AI tools to write code faster—but it's their curiosity and critical thinking that determine whether that code actually solves the right problem. In healthcare, bedside manner, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence are what turn treatment into care.

These are the qualities AI can’t replicate—because they come from lived experience, personal judgment, and real human connection.

And they matter more than ever. As work becomes more tech-enabled, employers are realizing that the teams who thrive aren’t just technically sharp—they’re emotionally intelligent, too. The best hires are the ones who can lead through uncertainty, connect across departments, and build trust inside and outside the organization.

At H2B, we see this every day. The candidates who stand out aren’t just checking technical boxes—they’re bringing a rare mix of resilience, curiosity, and heart.

The Human-to-Business Factor

That’s why our approach is different. It’s Human-to-Business: a mindset that looks beyond job descriptions to focus on real people, their potential, and their impact.

AI might help surface candidates faster, but it still takes a skilled recruiter to make the right match—the kind that fuels growth, strengthens culture, and sticks.

We use AI tools ourselves to improve efficiency in our sourcing process. But we never let it replace the one-on-one conversations that lead to the most meaningful placements. The future of hiring isn’t either/or. It’s both/and!

So, What Can You Do?

If you're a business leader navigating the impact of AI, here are a few ways to stay ahead:

• Invest in learning and development: Upskilling your workforce builds loyalty and long-term capabilities.

• Hire for adaptability: The best candidates may not check every box today, but they’re ready to grow into tomorrow.

• Keep the human element front and center: Culture, values, and purpose still matter—maybe more than ever.

  
  

People First, Always

AI may be changing the world of work, but it’s not changing what people need: to feel seen, supported, and valued. That’s why recruiting—done right—will always be human-first.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about filling roles. It’s about building relationships that drive your business forward.