#Japan #Workday #Tokyo #Employee Experience #AI Agents

Workday's Global Study on AI Agents

Workday, Inc., a provider of HR, finance, and AI agent platforms, has released findings from a new global survey titled AI Agents Are Here—But Don’t Call Them Boss. This study illuminates the rising presence of AI agents at workplaces while also highlighting that employees remain concerned about how their roles are defined in relation to these technologies.

The survey reveals that while 75% of employees are optimistic about collaborating with AI agents, only 30% feel comfortable being managed by them. This indicates a significant challenge for companies: they must integrate AI's capabilities without diminishing the human aspect of the workplace.

The research also illustrates that, despite widespread optimism regarding the rapid adoption of AI agents, employees have clear boundaries regarding their interactions with these tools. In fact, 82% of organizations surveyed reported an expansion in the use of AI agents. However, they maintained clear distinctions between acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in their workflows.

In Japan, responses mirrored global trends, with many participants acknowledging that AI agents could enhance productivity and improve the quality of work. Many also believe that organizational strategies are increasingly aligned with clear business goals. There are high expectations for AI to contribute to employee engagement, retention rates, and work-life balance. Nevertheless, employees express caution when it comes to granting AI agents autonomy in critical decision-making and managerial contexts.

Key Findings from the Survey

1. AI as a Co-Pilot, Not a Commander

Three-quarters of employees feel at ease working alongside AI agents that suggest new skills. However, only 30% are in favor of being overseen by these intelligent systems. Furthermore, just 24% are comfortable with AI operating behind the scenes without their knowledge. Establishing trust with employees is critical, as is clearly defining the role of AI in the workplace.

In Japan, acceptance of AI agents is highest for collaborative or advisory roles. In fact, 88% indicated they felt no resistance to AI recommending new skills. However, only 24% supported the idea of being managed by AI. Interestingly, 43% of Japanese respondents are amenable to AI operating without human oversight, diverging from global counterparts.

2. Experience with AI Boosts Trust

While over 25% of respondents believe that AI agents are overrated, the survey found that direct experience with these agents leads to increased trust. Among those experimenting with AI in their workflows, only 36% consider their AI utilization responsible and trustworthy. In contrast, this figure jumps to 95% for organizations that have fully adopted AI agents as part of their operations. This shift demonstrates how hands-on experience plays a crucial role in building confidence in AI systems.

In Japan, trust in the use of AI agents for mutual benefit between employees and organizations is strong, with 92% expressing at least some level of trust.

3. Balancing Productivity Gains and Concerns

Although nearly 90% of employees agree that AI agents enhance operational efficiency, they also express concerns regarding increased pressure (48%), diminished critical thinking (48%), and reduced interpersonal interaction (36%). These findings underscore the necessity for a cautious approach to AI implementation, prioritizing employee well-being.

In Japan, expectations for AI-induced improvements in health and well-being (43%) and onboarding experiences (50%) remain modest, indicating lingering skepticism in these areas.

4. Clarifying Roles of AI and Humans

Many employees regard AI agents as critical team members but do not see them as complete substitutes for human talent. Trust levels in AI vary by task: higher for IT support and skill development, and lower for occupations like hiring, finance, and legal operations, which require confidentiality. Therefore, human oversight and accountability in AI applications are essential.

In Japan, this trend is evident too, with trust in AI agents being higher or comparable to that of humans in technical fields like IT infrastructure and technology provisioning. Furthermore, in skill development management, 71% expressed equal trust in both AI and human input, suggesting that in specific roles, AI and humans can coexist with similar trust levels.

5. Financial Sector Potential

Faced with a shortage of CPAs and financial professionals, 76% of finance employees believe AI agents can help fill this gap, and only 12% worry about job loss. Key applications for AI in finance include forecasting and budgeting (32%), financial reporting (32%), and fraud detection (30%).

In Japan, similar trends are observed, as a mere 6% of organizations currently utilize AI agents in financial reporting. However, 55% plan to expand AI integration over the next three years, illustrating rising belief in AI's role in this sector.

This study serves as a crucial guideline for maximizing AI's potential. It emphasizes the importance of adopting new technologies while ensuring transparency, enhancing human capabilities, and building trust. Designing a future where AI agents complement human abilities and enable a more productive work environment is imperative.

Kathy Pham, VP of AI at Workday, concludes, “We stand at the dawn of a new era where AI can be a fantastic partner that complements human judgment, leadership, and empathy. Building trust requires intentionally designing how AI is utilized while keeping humanity at the core of all decisions.”