Artificial intelligence software allows companies to automate some simple tasks involved in accounting, payments and customer service, but experts say the technology could be used for more complex applications with robotics. General Motors, BMW, General Electric, Unilever, Cisco, Google and government agencies have implemented AI software, and Forrester Research predicts robotic AI technology will do the work of almost 4.3 million human employees by 2021.

People with disabilities are likely to face implicit bias when looking for a job, such as challenges with communication skills or lack of employment resources, according to a study from the University of St. Thomas and manufacturer MDI. Mentorship programs and reverse career fairs can place these individuals in jobs and improve awareness of their capabilities, the study says.

The benefits of regular one-on-one meetings between managers and employees are numerous, but managers don't always know how to optimize these discussions, writes Hawley Kane of Saba Software. Kane offers five tips to make these conversations productive, including identifying manageable goals and creating a feedback loop.

Black women make 21% less than white women do and 38% less than white men do, says research by Lean In, SurveyMonkey and the National Urban League. The research also shows that 30% of nonblack people think racism and sexism affect employees and that 64% of black women have experienced racism and sexism at work.

IBM Chief HR Officer Diane Gherson says helping workers find purpose in their work and practicing "straight talk and regular, transparent feedback" have been key to the company's success. Gherson discusses three tech disrupters shaking up HR, her vision for the future of work and her best career advice.