Workday’s latest global research, AI Agents Are Here—But Don’t Call Them Boss, reveals that while 75% of employees are ready to collaborate with AI agents, only 30% are comfortable being managed by them. The survey of nearly 3,000 professionals across North America, APAC, and EMEA highlights the need for clear boundaries, transparency, and a human-centered approach to AI deployment. Key findings show that exposure to AI agents increases trust, productivity gains come with concerns about pressure and reduced critical thinking, and finance professionals see strong potential for AI in closing skills gaps. The study underscores that AI agents should act as partners, not replacements, enhancing human judgment and leadership.

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 mere 24% 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 to 95% 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 only 12% 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%).