Employees See AI Agents as Partners, Not Managers
New research from Workday highlights a clear distinction in how employees view AI in the workplace. While 75% are comfortable working alongside AI agents, only 30% feel comfortable being managed by them. For operations professionals in small businesses, this insight points to a critical balance between adopting AI and maintaining human leadership.
AI as a Collaborative Tool, Not a Boss
Kathy Pham, Vice President of AI at Workday, explains that AI should complement human judgment and leadership rather than replace it. Trust in AI depends heavily on transparency and empowering employees. For small businesses, this means integrating AI in ways that enhance workflows without sacrificing empathy and human connection.
Optimism Around Expanding AI Use
According to the research, 82% of organizations plan to increase their use of AI agents. For operations teams, this trend offers opportunities to improve efficiency by automating routine tasks and supporting skills development. However, only 24% of employees are comfortable with AI operating unnoticed in the background. Clear communication about AI’s role is essential to build trust and acceptance.
Addressing Concerns About AI’s Impact
- Nearly 90% of employees believe AI can boost productivity.
- At the same time, many worry about increased pressure, reduced critical thinking, and less human interaction.
Operations leaders should consider these concerns seriously. Thoughtful implementation of AI systems is necessary to protect employee well-being while improving output.
AI in Finance and Other Functions
Finance professionals, facing skill shortages, see AI as a helpful tool—76% believe it can ease budget and forecasting tasks. Yet, trust varies by function; employees are more comfortable with AI handling IT support and skills development than sensitive areas like hiring and finance, which require more human oversight.
Practical Steps for Small Businesses
- Use AI agents to assist, not replace, human decision-making.
- Automate repetitive tasks to free up time for strategic work.
- Maintain clear communication about how and when AI is used.
- Balance technology with empathy and leadership to keep teams engaged.
Building a collaborative environment where AI supports employees rather than controls them is key. For operations professionals looking to integrate AI thoughtfully, focusing on transparency and employee empowerment will make the difference.
For those interested in strengthening AI skills to better manage these changes, Complete AI Training offers courses tailored for various job roles, helping teams adapt confidently to AI-assisted workflows.
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