Indian HR leaders are preparing for a major shift in how companies operate. According to a new report by Salesforce, HR (Human Resource) executives expect agentic AI adoption to grow by a massive 383 percent by 2027. Agentic AI refers to systems that can work on their own, without needing human control.

HR Transformation Begins

This adoption of digital labour is expected to boost productivity by nearly 42 percent. HR leaders in India see agentic AI as more than just a passing trend. Instead, they view it as a new business strategy that will change the way employees work. As these systems grow in use, about 24.7 percent of the current workforce is likely to be reassigned to different roles.

To prepare for this change, 88 percent of HR chiefs in India plan to reskill their employees. This includes teaching both technical and human skills. As AI agents take on routine tasks, human workers will need to improve soft skills like teamwork and communication. Around 81 percent of Indian HR leaders believe these interpersonal skills will be more important than ever.

Implementation Still Low

Despite the strong future outlook, the current adoption rate remains low. Only 12 percent of Indian companies have fully implemented agentic AI, while 88 percent are still in the early stages. Additionally, 63 percent of HR leaders admit that most employees do not yet understand how agentic AI will affect their roles.

Salesforce’s report emphasizes the urgent need for Indian companies to prepare. HR departments are now focusing their short-term plans on IT development and research to support AI adoption. The study also highlights that nearly 85 percent of HR leaders believe that in five years, AI agents and humans will be working side-by-side across most companies.

HR’s Strategic Role Grows

As organisations adapt to digital labour, HR leaders will play a crucial role in redesigning jobs and helping employees gain the skills needed to thrive. This once-in-a-generation transformation will redefine roles, systems, and how humans and AI collaborate in the workplace.

What is Agentic AI

Agentic AI is a form of artificial intelligence that enables autonomous systems, known as AI agents, to make decisions, take actions, and solve complex, multi-step problems with minimal human intervention. Unlike traditional AI, which typically follows fixed rules or generates content, agentic AI systems can analyze situations, formulate strategies, adapt in real time, and execute tasks to achieve specific goals. These systems use advanced technologies like machine learning, large language models, and reinforcement learning to continuously learn from interactions, optimize their behavior, and operate effectively in dynamic environments.