What is agentic AI for HR? This is a common question, particularly as vendors and analysts say these tools will soon be indispensable.

Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems designed to operate with a high degree of autonomy. These tools support decision-making, process execution and adaptability within an enterprise.

Unlike traditional AI-powered solutions that primarily analyze data and provide recommendations for human users to act upon, AI agents can perceive context, make decisions, take actions and continuously learn from interactions, according to analyst and HR tech expert Steve Boese, HR Executive columnist and longtime chair of the HR Tech conference.

Read more: The latest on agentic AI’s impact on HR

Simple AI vs. agentic AI in HR

Boese provides a clear distinction between traditional AI applications and the newer agentic AI capabilities, using recruiting—a common HR mainstay—to provide an example.

Simple AI

In recruiting, this includes chatbots that respond to candidate inquiries, suggest open roles, manage basic screening questions and schedule interviews.

Agentic AI

This takes simple AI tasks further by guiding entire complex processes. In recruiting, for example, an AI agent could autonomously generate job descriptions and listings, source candidates, screen resumes, rank candidates, schedule interviews and even conduct initial assessments, according to Boese.

Read more: Workday announces AI power driven by digital agents

Why HR leaders should care about AI agents

Boese says that agentic AI represents “the latest evolution in innovative HR and enterprise technology that today’s HR leaders need to understand.”

Taking time now to comprehend these new tools will enable people teams to take full advantage of their current HR tech stacks and thoughtfully evaluate future HR tech purchases.

Read more: HR tech in 2025 will be all about the agents, says Josh Bersin

How to use agentic AI

Josh Bersin, a prominent HR technology analyst, describes agentic AI as the next wave of artificial intelligence. He says these digital teammates can autonomously handle tasks: “Instead of just answering questions and composing poetry, they’re now able to ‘do things’ on our behalf,” writes Bersin.

Agentic AI systems in HR can:

• Plan and execute multi-step workflows: managing entire processes from start to finish
• Learn from interactions: improving performance based on outcomes and feedback
• Make decisions with minimal oversight: applying judgment within defined parameters
• Adapt to changing conditions: responding to new requirements or circumstances

Read more: Agentic AI is transforming team collaboration and workflows

Key applications for agentic AI in HR

When most HR technology solution providers heavily invest in a new technology, the entire industry must pay attention, says Boese. He points out that agentic AI—if it can fulfill its promise beyond the current hype—represents one of the most significant advancements in HR and enterprise technology in recent years.

Here’s how HR teams can use agentic AI:

• Talent acquisition: end-to-end recruitment management from sourcing to onboarding
• Employee development: creating and managing personalized learning journeys
• Performance management: providing ongoing feedback and development suggestions
• HR operations: handling complex administrative tasks and compliance requirements
• Employee experience: proactively addressing employee needs and concerns

Read more: How HR can propel AI agent implementation forward

HR leaders can make strategic, well-informed decisions about adopting agentic AI while managing potential risks and ensuring it truly serves their organization’s business objectives, according to Boese. Many experts say it is also designed to provide:

• Time savings: automation of routine and complex tasks
• Consistency: standardized processes across the organization
• Scalability: handling higher volumes without proportional staff increases
• Strategic focus: freeing HR professionals for higher-value work
• Data-driven decisions: continuous learning from outcomes and patterns

Read more: Agentic AI in HR—How the near future might look