A recent global study by Workday reveals that while a significant 75% of employees are open to collaborating with AI agents, only 30% feel comfortable being managed by them, indicating a clear desire for boundaries in AI usage.

Finance professionals are notably optimistic, with 76% believing AI agents will address personnel shortages, while only 12% express concerns about job loss.

The report highlights the necessity for multidisciplinary oversight to tackle ethical concerns, positioning HR as a strategic partner alongside IT in the responsible implementation of AI.

While almost 90% of employees believe AI agents will enhance productivity, there are concerns regarding increased pressure, diminished critical thinking, and reduced human interaction.

The insights from this research suggest that organizations should prioritize transparency and human empowerment when implementing AI solutions to build trust.

Workday has introduced new tools for enterprises to manage their internal use of AI agents, reflecting a broader trend in Silicon Valley towards developing AI-focused solutions.

Employees are generally more receptive to AI handling less sensitive tasks, such as IT support and skills development, but remain cautious about AI's role in critical decisions like hiring.

The survey also found that 24% of respondents are comfortable with AI agents operating without human oversight, underscoring the need for established boundaries to foster trust.

Kathy Pham, vice president of AI at Workday, emphasizes that building trust in AI requires placing people at the center of decision-making processes.

Despite some hesitations, respondents anticipate various benefits from AI adoption, including improvements in employee growth (85%), work-life balance (80%), and job satisfaction (79%).

The study indicates that 68% of organizations deploying AI agents expect reduced workloads (88%), faster innovation (82%), and financial success (71%).

In the finance sector, 76% of workers believe AI agents will help alleviate professional shortages, particularly in areas such as forecasting, budgeting, financial reporting, and fraud detection.