AI agents are becoming increasingly common in the workplace, according to new research, but employees want clear guidelines on how they’re used. In a new study by Workday, three-quarters (75%) of respondents said they’re comfortable working alongside AI agents, but only 30% would be comfortable being managed by one, with 12% “not at all comfortable.” Workday highlighted this as a precarious situation for enterprises, emphasizing the need to integrate AI solutions without “losing the human touch.” The report stated, “That signals a clear boundary between human and machine roles that leaders need to respect, meaning that organizations must clearly define the role of agents and explain how they make decisions in order to build trust and ensure successful integration.” The study comes amid a surge in AI agent deployment across industries. Indeed, 82% of organizations surveyed by Workday said they are expanding their use of AI agents. Microsoft research earlier this year predicted as many as 1.3 billion AI agents will be operating by 2028. Unlike previous AI iterations, these agents can work autonomously on behalf of human workers rather than merely acting as copilots or assistants.

AI Agents as Important Teammates

Most employees view AI agents as “important teammates, but not full members of the workforce.” This perception varies widely across departments. Staff in finance, hiring, and legal tend to be more wary due to the sensitive nature of their work, while those in IT support and skills development are generally more trusting. This variation underscores the need for human oversight and accountability tailored to the specific functions where agents are deployed. Across all respondents, only 24% felt comfortable with agents operating autonomously without human supervision. Trust in AI agents grows with exposure. While over a quarter of respondents believe agents are overhyped, trust “rises dramatically” with increased use. For example, only 36% of those exploring AI agents trust their organization to use them responsibly, but that number jumps to 95% among those with more experience. Workday noted, “Direct experience with agents builds confidence.”

Workers’ Mixed Feelings on Productivity and AI

The study found that 90% of employees believe AI agents help increase productivity. However, this comes with concerns. Nearly half (48%) worry that productivity gains will lead to increased pressure and heavier workloads. Additionally, 36% are concerned about reduced human interaction, and 48% fear a decline in critical thinking. The impact of AI on critical thinking has been a recurring topic. A Microsoft study in early 2025 warned that frequent users of AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot may experience “long-term reliance and diminished independent problem-solving” skills. Similarly, a June study by MIT’s Media Lab found that users relying on ChatGPT for writing showed the lowest cognitive engagement and performance compared to those using Google Search or no tools. Despite these concerns, Workday stressed that enterprises must adopt agentic AI thoughtfully and transparently. “This isn’t just about deploying new technology,” the company said. “It’s about thoughtfully designing a future where AI agents enhance human capabilities, enabling a more productive and fulfilling work experience for all.”

Originally published at IT Pro on Wed, 13 Aug 2025.

FAQ

Employee Comfort and Management

Q: What percentage of employees are comfortable working alongside AI agents? A: According to the Workday study, 75% of respondents are comfortable working alongside AI agents. Q: How many employees are comfortable with AI agents managing them? A: Only 30% of employees are comfortable with AI agents managing them, with 12% expressing no comfort at all.

AI Agent Deployment and Trust

Q: How many organizations are expanding their use of AI agents? A: The Workday survey found that 82% of organizations are expanding their use of AI agents. Q: What is the projected number of AI agents in operation by 2028? A: Microsoft research predicts that as many as 1.3 billion AI agents will be operating by 2028. Q: How does employee trust in AI agents change with experience? A: Trust in AI agents increases significantly with exposure. Among those exploring AI agents, only 36% trust their organization's use, while this number jumps to 95% for those with more experience.

Productivity and Worker Concerns

Q: Do employees believe AI agents increase productivity? A: Yes, 90% of employees believe AI agents help increase productivity. Q: What are employees' main concerns regarding AI agents? A: Nearly half (48%) worry about increased pressure and heavier workloads due to productivity gains. Additionally, 36% are concerned about reduced human interaction, and 48% fear a decline in critical thinking skills.

Critical Thinking and AI

Q: What impact can frequent AI tool use have on problem-solving skills? A: A Microsoft study warned that frequent users of AI tools may experience "long-term reliance and diminished independent problem-solving" skills. Q: How does reliance on AI for writing affect cognitive engagement? A: A study by MIT’s Media Lab found that users relying on ChatGPT for writing showed the lowest cognitive engagement and performance compared to those using other search methods or no tools.

Crypto Market AI's Take

The increasing integration of AI agents into the workplace, as highlighted by the Workday research, mirrors the evolving landscape of AI in finance and trading. Just as employees seek clarity on AI's role at work, investors and traders are looking for transparent and effective AI-driven tools to navigate the complexities of the cryptocurrency market. At Crypto Market AI, we are at the forefront of this evolution, developing advanced AI agents and analytics to enhance trading strategies and provide unparalleled market intelligence. Our platform leverages cutting-edge machine learning models for sophisticated market analysis and predictive insights, aiming to augment human capabilities rather than replace them, aligning with the sentiment that AI should serve as a valuable teammate. Explore our suite of AI-powered crypto trading bots and gain access to our in-depth market analysis to understand how AI is reshaping financial decision-making.

Workers view agents as ‘important teammates’ – but the prospect of an AI 'boss' is a step too far