Salesforce’s latest research, presented at the Agentforce World Tour in Singapore, highlights a significant shift in workforce management as organisations prepare for a dramatic increase in AI agent adoption. With growth expected to reach 450% by 2027, HR leaders are reimagining workforce structures and reskilling initiatives to align with this technological evolution.
The findings suggest that Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) anticipate a substantial transformation in their organisations, with an expectation to redeploy 21% of their workforce to accommodate the integration of digital labour. This shift is projected to lead to an impressive 37% boost in productivity, underscoring the strategic importance of AI in modern enterprises.
A focus on reskilling
The study revealed that more than 80% of HR leaders in the Asia Pacific region are actively reskilling their employees to navigate a market increasingly shaped by AI. Many leaders emphasise the growing importance of soft skills, such as relationship building and collaboration, as humans and AI agents begin to work side by side.
HEPMIL Media Group chief intelligence officer, Mushi Luke, noted, “AI can drive the most impact in processes that are humanly impossible to solve. As we integrate agentic workflows, it’s crucial to invest in both technology and the right mindsets among our employees.”
Insights from industry leaders
During the Agentforce World Tour, industry leaders shared their experiences in leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency. For instance, Panasonic detailed how they utilise AI to streamline customer support, while representatives from companies like Grab and Singapore Airlines discussed their strategies for integrating Salesforce’s platform into their operations.
Nicholas Lee, (former) chair of SGTech, stated, “The rapid rise of Agentic AI offers an opportunity to address labour constraints and boost productivity. Proactive upskilling is essential for businesses to leverage this technology effectively.”
Key research findings
- Integration of digital labour: 83% of CHROs believe that AI and human collaboration will dominate the workforce within five years.
- Reskilling initiatives: 86% of HR leaders plan to reskill employees for more relevant roles, with 60% of the current workforce expected to remain in their roles alongside AI.
- Soft skills demand: 80% of CHROs anticipate an increased need for soft skills as AI agents become more prevalent, particularly in relationship-based roles.
- Early-career opportunities: 67% of CHROs believe digital labour will enhance early-career growth prospects, with many expecting employees to manage AI agents directly.
Despite these advancements, the report highlights that only 10% of organisations have fully implemented AI agents, indicating a pressing need for strategic planning and execution in workforce management.
As businesses embrace digital labour strategies, the emphasis on reskilling and the integration of AI will be crucial in shaping the future of work in the Asia Pacific region.
