AI agents in the professional world
The modern era is obsessed with the pursuit of absolute efficiency. Faster, more profitable, more automated. AI agents embody this new technological utopia: a world where machines no longer need to be prompted, where they work independently, anticipate, execute, and gradually replace tasks that were once exclusive to humans—welcome to the world of AI agents.
Enthusiasm is widespread. Large companies see it as an opportunity for unprecedented productivity gains, tech leaders predict a new revolution, and innovation conferences are buzzing with excitement over the idea that 2025 will be “the year of AI agents,” according to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. But beyond the euphoric announcements, a critical question remains: who truly benefits from this automation, and at what cost?
A technology that is taking over, a society that is adapting
In offices, AI agents no longer simply assist—they replace. They analyze contracts, compare offers, draft reports, and handle entire administrative tasks. Machines Like Me, a company founded by Conrad Caine in Munich, exemplifies this transition. Their model is based on AI agents capable of mimicking human work on computers, optimizing every process, shortening delays, and eliminating tasks deemed unnecessary or too repetitive.
The argument is compelling: why mobilize a team for Excel spreadsheets, follow-ups, or data analysis when a machine can do everything, uninterrupted? Why pay an employee to sort through information when software can organize it instantly? Automation is no longer just an aid; it has become a substitute.
A revolution accelerating at full speed
What was once science fiction is now a clear business objective. According to Gartner, in three years, one-third of business applications will integrate autonomous AI agents, compared to less than 1% today. BCG goes even further, predicting that some companies could see their productivity triple—or even quintuple—thanks to these new automation capabilities.
The promise is enticing. But it is built on an ideology of progress without regulation. AI does not wait—it advances. It transforms work without prior debate, installs itself without deep ethical reflection, and imposes itself before society has had the time to assess the consequences.
An underestimated impact on employment
We have already seen how automation in industry eliminates jobs, restructures sectors, and disrupts individual career paths. Will what happened in factories now happen in offices? Business leaders insist otherwise. A BCG survey reveals that more than two-thirds of executives see AI as a complement to human labor, not a threat. Only 7% anticipate large-scale job cuts.
But the facts are stubborn. An AI agent capable of processing files, writing reports, and organizing databases necessarily replaces those who previously performed these tasks. The illusion of AI as merely an assistant is a mirage. AI does not just assist—it replaces.
The eternal promise of productivity
The ultimate argument remains productivity. When ChatGPT and generative AI first appeared, they were supposed to revolutionize the workplace, free up time, and enhance human capabilities. But reality has been more nuanced. Companies tested and experimented but rarely deeply transformed their practices.
Now, with AI agents, this promise is being repeated. But it comes with an implicit warning: those who do not adopt this technology will fall behind. Automation is no longer a choice—it is a necessity. The question is no longer whether a company wants to integrate AI agents, but rather recognizing that competitors will.
Rethinking the future
The debate on artificial intelligence cannot be reduced to a mere technological race. It raises a more profound question: what role do we want human work to play in the future? If optimization is the only goal, then AI agents are the perfect tool. But if the objective is to maintain a balance between progress and the preservation of social cohesion, then clear guidelines must be set.
For now, enthusiasm prevails. Technology is advancing, promises are accumulating, and decisions are being made in boardrooms rather than in democratic spaces. But history has proven that no technological revolution is neutral. And the rise of AI agents will be no exception.
Questions to ask before deploying AI agents in a company
Key questions business leaders should ask before implementing AI agents
1. Company objectives and needs
- What problems or repetitive tasks could AI solve in my company?
- What are the expectations in terms of productivity and efficiency gains?
- Will AI improve work quality or merely accelerate existing processes?
2. Impact on employees and work organization
- How will AI change the role of existing employees?
- Should training be provided to support this transition?
- Could AI create internal resistance or concerns among employees?
- What new roles or skills will be needed to oversee and manage AI agents?
3. Technological choices and compatibility
- What AI solution best fits my company’s needs? (proprietary AI, open source, SaaS…)
- Are AI tools compatible with existing software and infrastructure?
- Is the chosen AI scalable and adaptable to future business needs?
4. Security and data protection
- How can we ensure data confidentiality and security when processed by AI?
- Does the AI comply with regulations (GDPR, data protection laws, etc.)?
- Where and how will AI-stored data be processed?
- Are there cybersecurity risks associated with implementing this technology?
5. AI reliability and control
- What mechanisms ensure the reliability and transparency of AI decisions?
- How can we prevent AI from generating errors or biases in automated processes?
- Who is responsible for errors or incidents caused by AI?
6. Return on investment and cost
- What are the installation and maintenance costs of AI agents?
- Is the return on investment (ROI) measurable, and within what timeframe?
- What long-term savings or benefits can AI generate?
7. Impact on customer relations and company image
- Will AI improve the customer experience or risk making it less personal?
- How will customers perceive this automation?
- Is the company prepared to handle potential criticism regarding AI adoption?
8. Regulation and ethical considerations
- Does the AI comply with current industry regulations and standards?
- What safeguards should be in place to prevent ethical issues?
- How can we ensure AI is used responsibly and fairly?
9. Implementation strategy and monitoring
- What is the roadmap for deploying AI within the company?
- Will a pilot test be conducted before full integration?
- How will AI effectiveness be measured and adjusted if necessary?
- Who will be responsible for overseeing and continuously improving AI agents?
10. Long-term vision
- How does AI adoption align with the company’s overall strategy?
- Is this technology a long-term opportunity or just a passing trend?
- How can the company remain competitive while maintaining a human-centered and ethical approach to work?
