Purpose This paper extends previous research on artificial intelligence (AI) integration and workforce transformation by developing a framework for building sustainable AI-augmented organisations. Building on emerging evidence on upskilling imperatives, this paper aims to examine how organisations can achieve long-term success through strategic, ethical and employee-centric AI adoption. Design/methodology/approach This paper synthesises insights from recent case studies on AI-driven labour tensions, upskilling frameworks and human–machine collaboration models. It adopts an integrative approach combining strategic human resource management perspectives, organisational sustainability theory and change management principles. Findings This research reveals that sustainable AI integration requires a multidimensional framework encompassing five critical pillars: ethical AI governance and transparency mechanisms, continuous workforce development ecosystems, human-centric technology design principles, adaptive organisational structures and stakeholder engagement and trust-building processes. Organisations that successfully implement this framework demonstrate superior innovation capabilities, enhanced employee engagement and more resilient competitive positioning. Originality/value This paper offers a framework that bridges the gap between technological implementation and sustainable organisational transformation. By synthesising lessons from upskilling imperatives and human–machine collaboration research, it provides human resource leaders with actionable strategies for building AI-augmented organisations that balance efficiency gains with employee well-being, ethical considerations and long-term competitive advantage.
Tenakwah et al. (Mon,) studied this question.