What Is Work Today — And When Will We Stop Needing Humans to Do It?

This IDC Perspective explores the implications of agentic AI in the workforce, highlighting its potential to revolutionize business operations while raising concerns about job displacement. It discusses the balance between AI augmentation and human roles, presenting various scenarios of workforce impact. The document emphasizes the need for strategic planning, change management, and ethical considerations to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating risks. The ultimate goal is to prepare organizations for a future where humans and AI agents work collaboratively.“Agentic AI is revolutionizing the workforce, challenging the need for human employees. As AI agents replace traditional roles, the future of work demands a reevaluation of productivity, ethics, and human value. Are we fully ready for a world where humans and agentic AI coexist?” — Bill Latshaw, research director, Business Consulting Services