Agentic AI Adoption to Soar 327% by 2027: Salesforce Report

Salesforce has conducted a new study that reveals agentic AI adoption is set to surge 327% by 2027. As a result, nearly one in four employees will be reassigned to new roles, transforming the structure of workforces worldwide.

AI Agents to Become Core Workforce Partners 

Based on insights from 200 global HR leaders, Salesforce found that 80% of CHROs believe AI agents and humans will work side by side within the next five years. Current adoption of agentic AI stands at 15%, but HR leaders expect it to reach 64% by 2027. 

The transition is not just about replacing tasks with automation. The study shows a strategic emphasis on redeployment, with 23% of the current workforce expected to move into different roles as AI tools become more embedded across functions. 

Productivity Gains and Cost Savings Drive AI Push 

If we go by the thoughts of some of the executives, then agentic AI will boost productivity by around 30% and reduce labor costs by an average of 19%. That translates to a savings of roughly $11,064 per employee based on average OECD wages.

Importantly, 86% of CHROs say integrating digital labor into the workforce will be a core part of their role in the near future.  

We’re in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime transformation of work with digital labor that is unlocking new levels of productivity, autonomy, and agency at a speed never before thought possible. Every industry must redesign jobs, reskill, and redeploy talent — and every employee will need to learn new human, agent, and business skills to thrive in the digital labor revolution.

Nathalie Scardino, President and Chief People Officer at Salesforce

The survey indicates that the current generation of leaders will be the last to manage human-only workforces.

Greg Shewmaker, CEO of r.Potential

What’s Next?

As AI agents become integral to workforce operations, HR leaders will need to accelerate implementation while ensuring employees are prepared for the changes ahead. Redeployment and reskilling, not replacement, appear to be the guiding principles for managing the shift. However, closing the communication and training gaps will be key to realising the full potential of agentic AI.