New Workday Global Research: AI Agents Are Here--But Don't Call Them Boss
Rhea-AI Summary
Workday (NASDAQ: WDAY) has released new global research revealing key insights about AI adoption in the workplace. The study, titled "AI Agents Are Here—But Don't Call Them Boss," shows that while 75% of employees are comfortable working alongside AI, only 30% would accept being managed by AI agents.
The research highlights that 82% of organizations are expanding their use of AI agents, with trust levels increasing significantly with exposure. In the finance sector, 76% of workers believe AI agents will help address professional shortages, with top applications including forecasting, budgeting, financial reporting, and fraud detection.
However, concerns persist about AI implementation, with 48% of employees worried about increased pressure and decline in critical thinking, and 36% concerned about reduced human interaction.
Positive
- 82% of organizations are expanding their use of AI agents, showing strong adoption
- 75% of employees are comfortable working with AI agents, indicating positive workforce reception
- 95% trust rate among organizations with advanced AI implementation
- 76% of finance workers see AI as solution to industry professional shortages
- 90% of employees believe AI agents will improve productivity
Negative
- Only 30% of employees comfortable with AI management, showing significant resistance
- 48% worried about increased pressure and decline in critical thinking
- 36% concerned about reduced human interaction
- Only 24% comfortable with AI agents operating without human knowledge
- 26% still believe AI agents are overhyped
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, WDAY gained 0.43%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Research Reveals
Realizing the Full Power of AI Agents Hinges on Transparency and Prioritizing Human Empowerment
The research underscores that while widespread optimism is driving the rapid adoption of AI agents –
"We're entering a new era of work where AI can be an incredible partner, and a complement to human judgement, leadership, and empathy," said Kathy Pham, vice president, AI, Workday. "Building trust means being intentional in how AI is used and keeping people at the center of every decision."
Key findings from the report include:
- AI as Co-Pilot, Not Commander: Three out of four employees are highly comfortable with AI agents working alongside them and recommending new skills—but only
30% are comfortable with an AI agent managing them. A mere24% are comfortable with AI agents operating in the background without human knowledge. Establishing clear boundaries for AI is key to building employee trust and driving greater adoption. - Exposure to AI Agents Drives Trust: While more than one-quarter of respondents still believe agents are overhyped, trust in agents rises dramatically with increased use. For instance, only
36% of those exploring AI agents trust their organization to use them responsibly, but that number jumps to95% among those further along. Direct experience with AI agents builds confidence. - The Double-Edged Sword of AI Productivity: Nearly
90% of employees believe AI agents will help them get more done, but many are also concerned that these productivity gains will lead to increased pressure (48% ), a decline in critical thinking (48% ) and less human interaction (36% ). This underscores the need for thoughtful implementation that prioritizes employee well-being. - Distinct Roles for Agents and Humans: Most see agents as important teammates, but not full members of the workforce. Trust in AI also depends on the task; it's highest for IT support and skills development and lowest for sensitive areas like hiring, finance, and legal matters, underscoring the need for human oversight and accountability.
- Finance Sees Big Potential: With the industry facing a shortage of CPAs and finance professionals,
76% of finance workers believe AI agents will help close the gap and only12% are worried about job loss. The top uses for AI agents in Finance include forecasting and budgeting (32% ), financial reporting (32% ), and fraud detection (30% ).
This research underscores a crucial path forward: to harness the potential of AI, organizations must focus on building trust through transparency and empowering their people. This isn't just about deploying new technology. It's about thoughtfully designing a future where AI agents enhance human capabilities, enabling a more productive and fulfilling work experience for all.
For additional information
- Read the full report, "AI Agents Are Here—But Don't Call Them Boss."
- Discover more about the implications of AI agents on the global workforce, "The Secret to AI Optimism and Adoption is Setting Boundaries."
- Hear more about the evolving mindset of the Chief Work Officer, "The Chief Work Officer: Leading the Human-AI Frontier."
About The Report
Our findings are based on a global survey of 2,950 full-time decision-makers and software implementation leaders across three key regions:
About Workday
Workday is the AI platform for managing people, money, and agents. The Workday platform is built with AI at the core to help customers elevate people, supercharge work, and move their business forever forward. Workday is used by more than 11,000 organizations around the world and across industries – from medium-sized businesses to more than
© 2025 Workday, Inc. All rights reserved. Workday and the Workday logo are registered trademarks of Workday, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, statements regarding Workday's plans, beliefs, and expectations. These forward-looking statements are based only on currently available information and our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. If the risks materialize, assumptions prove incorrect, or we experience unexpected changes in circumstances, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements, and therefore you should not rely on any forward-looking statements. Risks include, but are not limited to, risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our most recent report on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K and other reports that we have filed and will file with the SEC from time to time, which could cause actual results to vary from expectations. Workday assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release, except as required by law.
Any unreleased services, features, or functions referenced in this document, our website, or other press releases or public statements that are not currently available are subject to change at Workday's discretion and may not be delivered as planned or at all. Customers who purchase Workday services should make their purchase decisions based upon services, features, and functions that are currently available.
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SOURCE Workday Inc.
FAQ
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