How Will AI Impact HR for Business Owners?
GUEST POST: Nadian Zak (she/her), Founder & CEO of Zak Human SolutionsIf you’re a business owner juggling hiring, payroll, compliance, and team drama, welcome to the club.
Most small and mid-sized businesses don’t have a full-time HR department.
In fact, you might be the default Head of People, whether you like it or not.
The good news?
You no longer need to do it all manually.
AI is changing how HR gets done, and business owners who lean in will scale faster, retain better, and avoid costly missteps.
Where HR Is Shifting (And What Business Owners Can Do About It)
At Zak Human Solutions, we support founders and leadership teams across industries, from 5-person shops to 100+ person powerhouses, and we see the same themes again and again: too much on your plate, too little clarity, and no room for error.
3 Ways AI is helping level the playing field
1. Faster, Smarter Hiring Without an HR Team
Hiring used to mean blocking off hours to dig through resumes, hoping for one good fit. Now? AI tools like Manatal, BreezyHR, or even features within Indeed can pre-screen applicants, flag best matches, and even help write job descriptions.
You still make the final call, but the right tools save you hours you don’t have.
Small business takeaway:
→ Don’t wait until you “have HR” to start using smart tools.
→ If you’re hiring even a few roles a year, AI can save you time and money.
2. Real-Time People Insights Without a Big Team
Ever wondered how long people are really staying? Or which roles have the highest turnover? Or if your team is approaching overtime risk or FMLA eligibility?
AI-powered HR platforms can now surface these insights automatically, no spreadsheets required. One of our clients (a 40-person agency) was stunned when our system flagged a trend of new hires leaving after 9 months. That insight changed how they onboarded—and helped them keep great people longer.
Small business takeaway:
→ Use tools like Gusto, Rippling, or HiBob to get built-in analytics.
→ Don’t just track hours, track patterns.
3. More Time for the Human Side of Leadership
You didn’t start your business to manage paperwork, right? The real work is developing people, clarifying expectations, and leading with purpose. AI can take care of the admin, so you can focus on the actual humans on your team.
At Zak Human Solutions, we often say:
“Let tech handle the tasks. You handle the trust.”
Small business takeaway:
→ Automate what drains you (think: PTO tracking, onboarding, compliance notices).
→ Invest your energy where it matters most: coaching, culture, and clarity.
You Don’t Need a HR Department - You Need an HR Strategy Fueled by AI
One of our clients, a 35-person SaaS company, cut its time-to-hire from 55 days to 18 using AI-assisted sourcing. They saved over $70K in agency fees and gained two rockstar hires who’ve helped them double revenue.
You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight.
Start small. Try one tool.
Focus on one pain point.
But do start.
The longer you wait, the more time and talent you lose.
About the Author
Nadian Zak (she/her) is the Founder & CEO of Zak Human Solutions, a people-first HR firm helping growing businesses scale smarter through strategy, leadership development, and AI-powered systems.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or learn more at zakhumansolutions.com.
