TLDR: Workday’s latest global research, titled “AI Agents Are Here—But Don’t Call Them Boss,” reveals a nuanced employee perspective on artificial intelligence in the workplace. While a significant 75% of employees are comfortable collaborating alongside AI agents, only 30% express comfort with being managed by one. The study, based on a global survey of nearly 3,000 professionals, highlights that 82% of organizations are expanding their use of AI agents. Despite perceived productivity gains, concerns persist regarding increased work pressure, a decline in critical thinking, and reduced human interaction. The research also indicates that direct experience with AI agents dramatically increases employee trust.
Workday, Inc. has released new global research, “AI Agents Are Here—But Don’t Call Them Boss,” shedding light on evolving employee attitudes toward artificial intelligence in the workplace. The study, commissioned by Workday and conducted by Hanover Research in May and June 2025, surveyed 2,950 full-time business IT decision-makers and software implementation leaders across North America, APAC, and EMEA.
A key finding from the report indicates that while three-quarters (75%) of employees are comfortable working alongside AI agents and even having them recommend new skills, a stark contrast emerges when it comes to management: only 30% are comfortable being managed by an AI agent. This highlights a critical boundary employees are drawing regarding AI’s role in their professional lives.
The research underscores a widespread optimism driving the rapid adoption of AI agents, with 82% of organizations reporting an expansion in their use of these technologies. In the finance sector, this optimism is particularly pronounced, as 76% of workers believe AI agents can help address professional shortages, with applications spanning forecasting, budgeting, financial reporting, and fraud detection.
Despite the perceived benefits, such as nearly 90% of respondents believing AI agents will enhance productivity and help them accomplish more, significant concerns remain. Approximately 48% of employees worry about increased pressure and a decline in critical thinking skills, while 36% are concerned about diminished human interaction in the workplace. Ethical and governance concerns, including bias, data privacy, and legal matters, were cited by 44% of respondents, and 39% pointed to security and privacy challenges. Furthermore, 30% expressed extreme concern about the potential misuse of AI.
Trust in AI agents is heavily influenced by direct experience. The study found that initial trust levels among those exploring AI agents stand at 36%, but this figure dramatically rises to an impressive 95% among seasoned users who are looking to scale up their AI agent usage. This suggests that positive initial experiences are crucial for fostering greater confidence and adoption.
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Kathy Pham, Vice President of AI at Workday, emphasized the importance of intentional implementation: “We’re entering a new era of work where AI can be an incredible partner, and a complement to human judgement, leadership, and empathy. Building trust means being intentional in how AI is used and keeping people at the center of every decision.” The report stresses that realizing the full potential of AI agents hinges on transparency and prioritizing human empowerment, ensuring that AI enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them entirely.
