Guidelines Encouraging Ethical AI Application in Employment Decision-making

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in workforce decisions is becoming increasingly prevalent. As policymakers grapple with new privacy risks and the need for regulation, a set of principles has emerged to guide the responsible use of AI in employment.

First and foremost, the focus should be on a worker-centric AI strategy. This means prioritizing the expansion of opportunities and raising living standards for American workers, rather than simply replacing human labor.

Second, promoting AI literacy and reskilling is crucial. This involves prioritizing AI skill development, digital literacy, and rapid retraining programs to prepare workers for the AI-driven economic changes.

Third, flexibility and innovation in workforce development are key. New models of workforce innovation are needed to match the rapid pace of AI transformation, leveraging pilot projects for reskilling and adapting workforce systems to be agile.

Fourth, data-driven performance measures are essential. Harmonizing data linkages and establishing transparent, valid metrics will help assess the return on investment and close talent gaps without creating excessive reporting burdens.

Fifth, protecting high-wage American jobs is important. Workforce programs should be reserved for legally authorized workers to safeguard opportunities and wages for American workers.

Sixth, collaboration between public and private sectors is vital. Government agencies, industry, and educational institutions should work together to identify industry needs, supply chain challenges, and support workforce transitions.

Seventh, encouraging AI adoption in federal workforce is necessary. Promoting AI skill-building and adoption across the federal government will set an example and prepare government workers for the future.

Eighth, tax incentives for employer training can play a significant role. Mechanisms such as tax-free reimbursements to employers offering AI-related workforce training programs can incentivize upskilling.

These principles form a comprehensive framework aimed at harnessing AI to enhance the workforce while mitigating the disruption risks associated with automation and technological change. They are embedded within the broader 2025 AI Action Plan pillars, with a strong, consistent focus on workforce readiness and protection.

As AI systems are used more frequently for workforce decisions, it's essential to ensure that they do not exacerbate existing biases and inequalities. Employment nondiscrimination laws should apply regardless of whether an organization uses AI, and metrics produced by AI tools must be fair and accurate.

Moreover, increased monitoring of employees using AI should not be unduly invasive. The processing of biometric data using AI should not reveal sensitive personal information about employees.

In the global context, policymakers should enable the free flow of employee data to foster innovation and productivity. However, this should be done while implementing guardrails to protect privacy and prevent misuse of data.

Regulation should focus on employers, not AI vendors. AI systems for workforce decisions should be regulated at the national level, and data protection laws should support the adoption of AI for workforce decisions.

In conclusion, the responsible use of AI in workforce decisions can lead to significant benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced biases, and improved communications among workers. By following these guiding principles, policymakers can ensure that these benefits are realized while minimizing the risks associated with automation and technological change.

References:

The White House. (2020). Executive Order on Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-maintaining-american-leadership-artificial-intelligence/
The White House. (2020). National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/artificial-intelligence/
The White House. (2020). American AI Initiative Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/american-ai-initiative-fact-sheet/
The White House. (2019). American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/american-workforce-policy-advisory-board/
The White House. (2020). National Economic Council. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/nec/