IBM’s AI Revolution: How AskHR Transformed Annual Leave Tracking
Introduction
IBM, a global leader in technology, is now setting the pace in HR digitalisation. By automating the vast majority of its HR operations, the company has created an environment where technology takes care of routine tasks—including the crucial process of managing annual leave. This article explores how IBM’s AI-driven HR system works, with special focus on annual leave tracking.
Key Findings
- 94% of IBM’s HR tasks are now automated.
- The main system is called AskHR, an AI-powered assistant developed internally.
- Annual leave requests are processed and tracked directly by AskHR.
- Automation is supported by IBM’s Watson Platform and Watsonx Orchestrate.
- This shift has freed up HR professionals to focus on strategic and creative roles.^1^5
Analysis: How IBM Tracks Annual Leave
Before automation, IBM relied on traditional manual HR processes. Today, AskHR handles leave management end-to-end. Employees submit their annual leave requests to AskHR, which then processes and records the requests automatically. Everything from updating balances to approvals is managed within the system—no human intervention needed for most requests.
This efficiency is made possible by advanced AI technologies like IBM Watson and Watsonx Orchestrate, which empower AskHR to provide 24/7, reliable support for IBM’s global workforce. The result is a smoother system for both employees and HR.
AskHR not only automates leave management but also creates a consistent user experience. Staff can access their leave records, request time off, and get instant responses at any time. This approach scales across locations and time zones, helping IBM handle leave tracking for thousands of employees worldwide.
Conclusion
IBM’s commitment to digital HR has paid off. By deploying AskHR, built on its own AI platforms, the company has transformed annual leave management into an automated, scalable process. The new setup allows IBM to allocate human resource personnel to more valuable work, while supporting staff with quick and reliable leave tracking.
Other companies interested in modernising leave tracking may want to explore how a staff holiday planner software can bring some of the same benefits IBM achieved.