AI Agents Securing Trust in Future Workspaces Yet Falling Short in Leadership Positions

The landscape of the modern workplace is evolving, with the increasing prevalence of agentic AI. A new report titled "AI Agents Are Here - But Don't Call Them Boss," commissioned by Workday, sheds light on this shift, focusing on human-AI agent collaboration.

According to the report, while AI is becoming more common in the workplace, most employees prefer not to have AI in a leadership role. The issues surfaced in the report are already being addressed by AI innovators across the industry.

Trust in AI usage follows a sliding scale. Trust tends to be higher for AI agents handling IT support and skills development tasks, while it is significantly lower for more sensitive areas such as finance and legal matters. Building trust in AI means being intentional in how AI is used and keeping people at the centre of every decision, according to Kathy Pham, Vice President, AI, Workday.

The report suggests promoting collaboration between humans and AI by recognising AI as a tool that enhances human capabilities and productivity, emphasising the importance of developing unique human skills such as empathy and emotional intelligence, and strategically investing in AI while ensuring transparent, trustworthy AI decision-making to build confidence.

The survey, based on the responses of 2,950 full-time decision-makers and software implementation leaders from North America, APAC, and EMEA, indicates that nearly 90% of employees believe AI agents will enhance productivity. However, 48% think this will result in increased pressure and reduced critical thinking.

Despite these concerns, 75% of employees are happy with AI agents serving as copilots, but only 30% of those surveyed would accept an AI agent in a senior leadership or managerial role. This reluctance is understandable, as governance is a significant concern, with only 24% of employees comfortable with AI agents operating in the background without human intervention.

The report also highlights the need for leaders to actively bridge human connections in the workplace to prevent isolation and sustain human relationships alongside automation. The concept of a hybrid workplace, where AI workers collaborate with humans, is becoming a reality.

In finance, 76% of employees believe that AI agents will help address the shortage of CPAs and finance professionals, while only 12% are concerned about job loss. The report identifies a clear distinction between AI agents and the human workforce. Most people perceive AI agents as teammates rather than fully-fledged employees.

Looking ahead, the AI Agent & Copilot Summit, an AI-first event taking place March 17-19 in San Diego in 2026, promises to continue the conversation on the future of work in the age of AI. As businesses move towards developing the new hybrid workplace, governance and trust in AI are crucial issues that need to be addressed.

AI Agents Securing Trust in Future Workspaces Yet Falling Short in Leadership Positions