I've seen enough changes in workplace technology over the years to recognize that each new development triggers the same response: fear.
I noticed this change when we transitioned our work to the cloud. When we began utilizing AI for searches and knowledge discovery. When we swapped out spreadsheets for shared documents. And now, with the rise of AI agents I'm noticing it once more.
The query always arrives swiftly: Could this technology replace me at work?
For today’s iteration of this existential query, here’s my response: AI agents aren’t going to replace you directly. However, individuals utilizing these tools could outpace those who do not.
That's not a threat—it's a wake-up call. This new era of AI isn't centered around automation; it's focused on amplification and making an impact.
Introducing the latest superstar at work: The AI all-rounder.
To clarify my point, allow me to use a sporting metaphor. For years, I've looked up to athletes such as ex-NBA player Andre Iguodala—who may not top the charts in statistics but play crucial roles for their teams. They secure rebounds, provide solid defense, and facilitate communication among teammates. Their presence elevates those playing alongside them. This is exemplified by Iggy winning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award in 2015; he excelled at the tough yet often unnoticed tasks that kept the Warriors cohesive.
In basketball, they refer to that type of player as the "glue guy."
That’s what AI agents do in the workplace. They act as the unsung heroes within contemporary teams—never the center stage performers, yet they make the quiet impact behind the scenes. They bridge the chasms. They ensure all elements stay interconnected. They assist individuals in completing their tasks quicker, with greater precision, and superior outcomes.
Take one of the companies our team at GrowthLoop recently worked with—Allegro, often referred to as the " Amazon Of Eastern Europe." They're utilizing a tool from us that runs on agentic AI and operates above its data cloud. Rather than switching back and forth among separate applications, their marketing teams now collaborate with a group of specialized AI agents: one focuses on analyzing data, another creates streamlined customer paths, some provide valuable insights, recommend target audiences, and generate new campaign concepts.
Everything occurs through one unified interface, similar to a contemporary marketing control room. These tools do not supplant human beings; they enhance their capabilities. Consequently, this leads to a two-fold increase in return on advertising investment. There’s also a sixty percent rise in gross merchandise value. Additionally, the expense per click decreases by almost seventy percent.
That isn’t job replacement; it’s job transformation.
And the most exciting part? It’s only just beginning.
We've witnessed this scenario unfold previously. In my former organization, we launched Glean—a platform I assisted with that revolutionized the way teams uncover internal company insights—and it mirrored the exact situation. Individuals were concerned about being overwhelmed. However, they ended up finding quicker access to relevant data, freeing them up for genuine issue resolution. This mirrors the narrative of all significant technological advancements: initial apprehension followed by increased efficiency. Then, progress .
The distinctive aspect of AI agents lies in their rapid evolution. These systems no longer merely automatize analytical duties such as mathematics and planning; they also tackle creative endeavors including innovation, communication, and strategic thinking. However, the true milestone is their capability for instantaneous reasoning and personalized output generation. Instead of being mere instruments, these agents function as insightful collaborators. They analyze information more swiftly than humans can, identify trends invisible to us, and propose alternatives beyond our typical scope of consideration.
This transition has been observed across various sectors. Developers now employ AI to create code and identify errors more swiftly. Meanwhile, customer service departments provide customized responses almost instantly as agents compile previous engagements behind the scenes. Additionally, creative groups can test and refine marketing strategies without having to wait months for feedback.
None of this renders AI frightening or diminishes the necessity for human involvement; instead, it eradicates the tedious tasks.
Take a peek into any big corporation, and you'll encounter an enormous amount of tasks that serve little purpose beyond keeping people occupied. This includes multiple levels of reporting, constant status checks, and laborious manual coordination efforts that gobble up significant chunks of employees' time—a phenomenon known as "work about work" according to Asana's Anatomy of Work Index, which claims this can account for substantial portions of workers’ days. 60% of someone's daily time All those hours accumulate into substantial chunks of wasted time. It's akin to the modern equivalent of "TPS reports." Office Space ) on loop. However, AI agents are transforming this scenario. Picture having an automated three-point summary generated and distributed each week for every project—with minimal effort required—eliminating the hassle of follow-ups and compilation. This way, your product managers can dedicate more time to engaging with clients rather than working on presentations. Similarly, your marketing director can concentrate on innovation instead of aggregating information from multiple sources across various platforms. In essence, these AI assistants aren’t taking away jobs but enabling individuals to engage in tasks that truly add value.
Will certain jobs evolve? Definitely. However, can you point to a time when they did not? The leading occupations of today were non-existent two decades ago. Consider roles like prompt engineers, data strategists, and AI supervisors. A brand-new sector of employment is forming, centered on managing, overseeing, and interacting with these technological systems.
It’s simple to get swamped, particularly as everything seems to be accelerating. However, rapid change does not necessarily equate to disorder. Actually, AI agents can assist in bringing order out of the confusion, especially for businesses engulfed by years of compartmentalized information, outdated technologies, and disjointed processes. These AI entities act like the binding agent, serving as the crucial connector, the essential adhesive.
Here's what sets glue guys apart: They don't seek recognition. Instead, they enhance the overall performance of the team.
The future of work is all about teamwork.
As a leader reading this, I urge you to begin acquainting yourself with emerging technologies that facilitate collaboration between humans and digital agents, similar to how human teams operate currently. Ponder over which mundane, repetitive duties your team members might be avoiding.
The flexibility of the workforce often goes underappreciated. Historical evidence demonstrates that individuals develop innovative methods when provided with fresh resources. This pattern will repeat itself. We'll create job roles that have not been imagined before. We'll tackle challenges previously deemed insurmountable. Our teams will consist of both humans and agents, each contributing according to their capabilities.
If I had just ten seconds with each staff member at a Massima500 firm, this is what I would tell them: You won’t be replaced by artificial intelligence systems. Instead, you’ll be outpaced by those who can effectively team up with these technologies. Therefore, welcome it. Master it. Utilize it to enhance both the quality and humanity of your work. Human creativity has limitless potential. These tools will assist in shrinking the gap between conception and execution.
In this new phase of work, the strongest strategy is to operate as a cohesive unit. Your group will thrive with players who act as binding forces.
The viewpoints presented in Massimacommentary articles are those of the individual authors alone and may not represent the opinions and beliefs of Massima.
Read more:
- AI’s job boom? Not before the bust
- Avoid moving too quickly and breaking things—even when dealing with AI. Slowing down to move faster actually proves more effective.
- I've dedicated years to assisting women entrepreneurs in obtaining funding. Now that they possess AI, they may no longer require to
- Taxes, artificial intelligence, and a disrupted supply chain The workforce emergency nobody is prepared for
The tale was initially showcased on Massima