Automated HR system mysteriously fires software engineer

Occurred: June 2018

A US-based software engineer was wrongly fired and locked out of his office by an automated and irreversible algorithmic HR termination process.

What happened

In a lengthy blog post, Ibrahim Diallo described how he was progessively locked out of several computer systems operated by his employer, resulting in him being sacked and having to spend three weeks at home while his employer tried to work out what had happened.

It transpired that his manager, who had just been laid off during the acquisition of the company, had not transferred his name into a new HR system, triggering a series of automated events that led to him being escorted out of the office by security guards.

Diallo was not paid for the three weeks he was forced to spend at home, and later resigned his job.

Why it happened

The incident occurred because Diallo's previous manager failed to update his employment status in the new system after the company was acquired. 

When the system recognised that Diallo's contract had expired without renewal, it automatically initiated the termination process without human oversight. 

The automation in HR systems, while intended to streamline processes, can lead to significant errors when not properly managed or monitored.

What it means

Diallo's case serves as a cautionary tale about the increasing reliance on automated systems in human resources, and underscores the necessity for companies to implement safeguards that allow for human intervention in automated processes, particularly regarding employment decisions. 

Experts suggest that organisations should ensure their systems have fail-safes or "stop" mechanisms to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. 

More generally, the situation raises questions about the role of technology in the workplace and the importance of maintaining a meaningful human element in HR practices. 

Autonomy

In developmental psychology and moral, political, and bioethical philosophy, autonomy is the capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision.

Source: Wikipedia 🔗

System 🤖

Operator:  
Developer: 
Country: USA
Sector: Business/professional services
Purpose: Automate HR processes
Technology: Human Resources Management System
Issue: Governance; Employment

Page info
Type: Incident
Published: January 2024
Last updated: November 2024