Redefining HR for the age of automation

In an age where automation and AI are rewriting the rules of work, Agi Garaba, Chief People Officer at UiPath, believes HR must evolve from a support function to a strategic driver of change. At the forefront of this transformation, she champions a future where human potential is amplified, not replaced, by intelligent technologies.

Building a growth mindset around AI

For organisations beginning their automation journey, Garaba has one key message: embrace the change fearlessly and inclusively. “Bring people along the journey, engage them early, communicate openly, and invest in continuous learning,” she advises. "And finally, be a role model on how to best approach these changes and lead from the front."

At UiPath, one of the most significant mindset shifts she has led is reframing AI and automation from job threats to enablers of growth and purpose. "We focus on cultivating curiosity and a growth mindset within our teams. The goal is to empower our people to thrive in an environment where human potential is amplified, not replaced by AI."

Reshaping the employee experience with automation

Garaba is clear-eyed about the cost of manual, repetitive work in today’s fast-paced world. “When high-value talent is stuck with low-impact tasks, it stifles creativity, limits contribution, and increases disengagement—ultimately risking retention,” she says.

By leveraging AI-powered automation, UiPath is enabling employees to focus on what truly matters: creative problem-solving, innovation, and meaningful work. Agentic automation, the next evolution, takes this further, capable of reasoning, decision-making, and acting autonomously. According to McKinsey, such automation could reduce time spent on administrative and repetitive tasks by up to 70%.

Preparing the workforce to collaborate with AI agents

As automation reshapes roles, HR has a pivotal role in preparing employees to work alongside intelligent agents. “It’s about building digital confidence and making sure employees have the technical know-how to thrive,” Garaba says.

UiPath leads by example, having integrated automation across various HR functions—from recruitment and onboarding to cultural initiatives and employee recognition. “We started with Robotic Process Automation (RPA), added AI chatbots for real-time support, and are now embracing intelligent agents that can make decisions and act independently.”

For Garaba, this is not a one-off initiative but a continuous journey blending learning, support, and change management.

Finding the human-machine balance

“As AI takes over routine tasks, it frees space for human ingenuity to thrive,” says Garaba. Striking the right balance means designing systems where technology enhances, not replaces, human creativity.

“While automation can streamline workflows, humans bring empathy, original thought, and nuance—especially in people-centric roles,” she adds. In the age of agentic automation, the focus must shift from productivity alone to fulfilment, engagement, and innovation.

Skills that matter in the agentic era

To unlock the full potential of agentic AI, companies need talent that can build, fine-tune, and optimise these systems. Technical roles, particularly in AI and ML, are in high demand. However, Garaba stresses the equal importance of human-centric skills.

“Empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable—especially when it comes to employee experiences. These soft skills set us apart from machines, and we must invest in them just as much as we do in technical upskilling.”

Cultivating a future-ready workforce

UiPath’s learning strategy avoids a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it focuses on personalised, role-specific development, with flexible, on-demand platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, alongside peer learning, mentoring, and job shadowing.

Beyond internal upskilling, Garaba highlights UiPath’s global developer ecosystem, with over 3 million developers—including 1 million in India—engaged through their Community and Student Developer Program. “We offer hands-on training, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities to nurture the next generation of automation leaders,” she shares.

A people-first approach to culture amid transformation

At a time when job roles are evolving rapidly, maintaining a strong and inclusive culture becomes even more critical. UiPath’s people-first approach to automation ensures employees are empowered and supported through change.

“Our People Unity Councils—like Pride, PaCT, HOLA, and Neurodiversity—along with our wellness and cultural programs, foster a deep sense of belonging and inclusion across our global workforce,” Garaba explains.

Managing change and building trust

Garaba views disruption as a catalyst for innovation. In areas like payroll or benefits, where accuracy is paramount and hesitation to adopt new tools is natural, UiPath co-creates solutions with employee feedback to ensure smoother transitions and trust.

And that trust is fundamental. “We show our employees that AI and automation are tools to enhance their work, not replace them. Empowering them through flexibility, upskilling, and open dialogue is central to our strategy.”

Redefining HR in the age of intelligent automation

“We are likely the last generation of HR leaders managing a purely human workforce,” Garaba states. As automation becomes embedded in the fabric of work, HR is evolving into a strategic architect of hybrid human-machine teams.

“HR must lead this transformation—driving agility, enhancing productivity, and shaping empowered employee experiences,” she adds.

Leading with purpose

When asked about her leadership philosophy, Garaba shares a quote that encapsulates her approach:

“You get the best effort from others not by lighting a fire beneath them, but by building a fire within.” — Bob Nelson

“In times of great change, I continue to build that fire within my teams—helping them navigate transformation with courage, clarity, and confidence,” she concludes.