In this episode of The HumAIn Workforce podcast, I’m joined by Tijana Lalovic, Chief People Officer at Suncare Community Services, about the evolving role of HR in the age of artificial intelligence - particularly in the aged care sector. The conversation explores how organisations can responsibly and proactively integrate AI while maintaining empathy, equity, and trust. From digital wellbeing coaches to micro-credentials and proactive workforce planning, this episode is a masterclass in how HR can lead AI adoption with intention and care.

Guest Bio:

Tijana Lalovic is a passionate, purpose-led leader and Chief People Officer at Suncare Community Services, where she’s shaping the future of Australia’s aged care and community services workforce. With over 20 years of experience in strategic HR, Tijana brings both heart and commercial acumen to her role, leading transformative programs like Careers with Heart and Stay & Grow to build inclusive pathways and a resilient, values-driven culture. She believes HR must go beyond reacting to change, it must anticipate and lead it. Guided by empathy and conviction, Tijana is committed to creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered to grow.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. AI in Aged Care Is a Mindset Shift, Not Just a Tech Shift (06:45)

Tijana explains that AI in aged care goes beyond technology it requires a shift in thinking. AI can support real-time workforce planning, predictive clinical governance, and reduce admin burden, ultimately giving time back to carers for human connection.

2. The Rise of New Hybrid Roles (10:50)

As AI becomes more integrated, new roles like digital wellbeing coaches, care navigators, and data-informed care planners are emerging, blending digital skills with emotional intelligence to deliver more personalised, preventative care.

3. Workforce Challenges: Digital Equity, Trust & Capability Uplift (16:00)

Tijana outlines three major challenges facing the sector: ensuring all employees have access to digital tools (digital equity), fostering trust through transparency and ethics and scaling up capability through micro-credentials and learning ecosystems.

4. Proactive Workforce Planning with AI in Mind (21:00)

At Suncare, AI-readiness is embedded proactively into recruitment and capability strategies. Initiatives like Careers with Heart and Investing in Future You help the organisation attract and retain purpose-driven talent ready for a tech-enabled future.

5. HR’s Critical Role in Ethical AI Adoption (28:15)

Tijana emphasises HR's responsibility in building AI literacy, co-designing solutions with employees, and aligning AI tools with core organisational strategy. When done with empathy and trust, AI can enhance, not erode, the human side of work.

Links:

Connect with Tijana Lalovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tijanapavlovich

Suncare Community Services: https://suncare.org.au/

Connect with Your Host – Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at [email protected]

Website: https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

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