Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, is supporting a bold new approach. Recent announcements about the company’s AI integration sparked a wave of disbelief and confusion. Franklin, in a conversation with HR Brew, addressed these concerns, clarifying the company’s vision and the intentions behind its AI rollout.
Lattice made headlines last month with a LinkedIn post proudly announcing its new AI system designed for onboarding, training, goal setting, and performance management. It aimed to create “digital workers” and establish employee records for these AI tools. But instead of applause, the announcement met with criticism, as many questioned whether Lattice was blurring the lines between AI and human employees.
Franklin acknowledges the backlash and the “big misunderstanding” it generated. “The intent was never to equate AI tools with human employees,” she explained. “Our goal was to set up a governance framework and provide transparency on how AI operates within the organization.”
The confusion derived from Lattice introducing a new employee record specifically for AI tools. This wasn’t about treating bots as humans but creating a clear distinction and placing these tools within the organizational structure. By doing so, Lattice aimed to make AI’s role, goals, and oversight responsibilities transparent and manageable.
Franklin, who took on the role of CEO, sees AI as a transformational force that HR departments can harness to their advantage. “This is HR’s moment,” she asserts. “It’s about being strategic, helpful, leading into the future with confidence.” She believes that managing AI integration is simpler than it appears, as HR already has experience handling new entities and ensuring they comply with company policies.
Looking ahead, Lattice is committed to refining its approach based on feedback from customers, business leaders, and HR professionals. Franklin emphasizes the need for continued education and clear communication. “We’re not claiming to have all the answers, but we are committed to listening and evolving. AI is here to stay, and we want to integrate it responsibly and effectively,” she said.
For HR leaders navigating this new frontier, Franklin’s advice is clear: “Calm, educate, and plan. By setting up proper governance and embracing this change with clear eyes, HR can successfully lead the way.”