AI is evolving at lightning speed—and if you work in HR, chances are you’ve wondered: will AI replace HR professionals? As performance management systems, ATS recruitment platforms, onboarding software, and HRIS solutions become increasingly sophisticated, it’s a fair question.
But here’s the truth: AI isn’t replacing HR—it’s elevating it.
In a compelling conversation between Martian Logic CEO Anwar and Professor Carol Kulik from the University of South Australia, the future of performance management and HR software was explored in detail. The result? A nuanced understanding that while AI can automate and scale, the strategic and relational core of HR remains firmly human.
HR Systems, HRIS & AI: How Automation Is Changing Human Resource Management
HR systems are digital platforms designed to manage key people functions—recruitment, onboarding, employee performance, and compliance. Traditionally these systems were transactional and manual. Today, they’re increasingly cloud-based, AI-integrated, and agile.
Martian Logic’s HR software brings together multiple core tools:
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- Onboarding software
- Performance management software
- Workforce planning
According to Anwar:
“All a line manager needs is the Martian Logic Performance Management Tool and an AI agent… it’s all done.”
This comment sparked the broader discussion: if managers can build performance review templates and processes using AI, does that reduce the need for HR? Or does it give HR the space to lead on bigger, more strategic issues?
The Evolving Role of HR Professionals in the Age of AI and HR Software
Professor Kulik challenged the idea that AI diminishes HR’s value:
“HR isn’t just about compliance. It’s about getting the most out of your people, supporting relationships, and creating opportunities for growth. AI should support that—not replace it.”
Today’s HR professionals are no longer gatekeepers of admin. They’re strategic leaders. AI-powered HRIS software can reduce manual input, but strategic decision-making still requires human insight.
And with platforms like Martian Logic, it’s easier than ever for HR to scale their strategic efforts without sacrificing personalisation.
From Performance Reviews to Continuous Feedback
One of the standout insights from the podcast was the movement away from annual performance reviews towards continuous, high-frequency feedback loops.
Carol explained:
“If the performance review is just once a year, you’ve already missed the mark. The real impact comes from the day-to-day relationship.”
Martian Logic’s performance management software supports:
- Weekly manager check-ins
- Customised templates for each role
- Data tracking over time
This shift, powered by HR automation, lets HR and managers spot growth opportunities or performance dips before they become critical.
Empowering Line Managers with Self-Service Tools
As Anwar highlighted:
“Manager self-service is at the heart of what we do. We built our platform so managers can run performance reviews, track progress, and manage documentation without waiting on HR.”
That doesn’t make HR obsolete. It just removes administrative bottlenecks so HR can focus on:
- Succession planning
- Learning and development strategy
- Organisational culture
With Martian Logic’s manager-facing interface, HR can trust that data is collected consistently while still owning the strategic direction.
Why AI in HR Software Needs Human Oversight for Performance Management
While AI can help structure questions, generate templates, and analyse trends, it can’t replace the human nuance required in performance conversations.
Carol warned:
“Employees don’t like knowing their manager used AI to write their review. It makes them feel unimportant.”
Instead, Martian Logic’s software enables:
- Collaborative reviews with employee input
- Transparent workflows for approvals and feedback
- Options to integrate 360-degree reviews when required
AI should serve as a starting point—not the full solution.
Streamlining Recruitment with AI-Powered ATS
AI is also dramatically transforming the hiring process. Martian Logic’s applicant tracking system enables:
- Automated candidate ranking
- Interview scheduling tools
- Real-time collaboration across hiring teams
HR teams can spend less time on screening and more time on candidate experience. AI handles the volume, while HR guides the tone.
This aligns with Carol’s insight:
“We’ve made some HR roles so admin-heavy that people don’t have time to focus on what really matters. AI fixes that.”
Onboarding Software Powered by AI: Enhancing New Hire Experiences
Once a hire is made, the onboarding experience plays a vital role in retention. Martian Logic’s onboarding software simplifies and elevates the process:
- Welcome journeys tailored to roles
- Automatic forms and policy delivery
- Manager alerts and check-in reminders
Instead of spending days sending documents, HR can now design experiences that drive early engagement.
Compliance Made Simple With HRIS Integration
Compliance is often the most time-consuming part of HR—especially during audits, reviews, or disciplinary actions. With integrated HRIS software:
- Every review is time-stamped and version-controlled
- Workflows are transparent and trackable
- PIPs and terminations follow clear, compliant pathways
Martian Logic’s tools give HR peace of mind while ensuring every decision is well-documented.
Designing for Customisation and Scale
Not every team needs the same performance management process. Martian Logic allows HR teams to design flexible workflows based on the needs of different divisions, departments, or roles.
That’s key, as Carol noted:
“The best solution to a performance problem is the one the employee suggests. HR’s role is to support that conversation.”
With Martian Logic:
- Templates can be role-specific
- Reviews can be tied to unique KPIs
- Feedback can be customised for individual development plans
This is where HR software evolves from being reactive to strategic.
The Shock Factor in Employee Turnover
Carol introduced a concept that many HR teams overlook—shock-based turnover. Rather than leaving a job due to long-term dissatisfaction, most employees leave in response to a triggering event.
“Most turnover is tied to a specific event. Winning the lottery, a sudden family change, or even a conversation with a friend can trigger the decision.”
This underscores the importance of proactive engagement and retention strategies. With tools like Martian Logic, HR teams can track changes in behaviour or performance that might signal disengagement—before it becomes irreversible.
Supporting Line Managers with Training and Systems
Line managers often inherit HR responsibilities they were never trained for. As Carol puts it:
“We put all of this responsibility on line managers without giving them the appropriate support.”
That’s why it’s critical for HR to be part of training design, rollout, and reinforcement. HR software like Martian Logic enables ongoing performance conversations—but without proper training and contextual awareness, managers may still struggle. HR must remain actively involved in guiding these systems.
The Role of Onboarding in Long-Term Engagement
Onboarding is not just a paperwork process—it’s a cultural experience. Carol shared examples from McDonald’s and Lululemon, where companies used milestone moments to celebrate employees and build lifelong brand ambassadors.
Martian Logic’s onboarding platform allows HR to design custom journeys that do more than tick compliance boxes. It gives employees a sense of connection from day one.
Will AI Replace HR Roles or Redefine Them Through HR Technology?
The answer isn’t black and white. AI will replace tasks, not roles. AI will automate workflows, but HR will still own:
- Coaching managers
- Designing culture
- Supporting transitions
- Navigating change
As Carol summed up:
“Line managers are central to performance. But they’re accidental managers. They need support. That’s where HR matters most.”
Anwar added:
“AI helps us ask better questions. But it doesn’t always know which questions we should be asking.”
The Future of HR Software: Human Strategy + AI Efficiency
The future of HR isn’t about displacement. It’s about enablement. With Martian Logic, HR teams can build performance strategies that are smart, compliant, and deeply human.
If you’re ready to elevate how you manage recruitment, onboarding, and employee growth—while reclaiming time to focus on strategy—Martian Logic is here to help.
Explore Martian Logic’s HR Software: https://martianlogic.com
Learn more about our ATS and onboarding tools:
Listen to the full podcast discussion on AI and HR: Episode Watch a quick summary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BRjEK0D4KbE
Because the best HR systems don’t just scale—they empower.
