Indian HR Leaders Predict 383% Surge in Agentic AI Adoption by 2027
Salesforce research reveals a major shift in Indian workplaces as HR leaders prepare for a 383% rise in agentic AI adoption by 2027, requiring new skills and workforce redeployment.
Agentic AI is poised to revolutionize the Indian workplace, with a projected 383% growth in adoption by 2027, according to a new Salesforce survey. Currently, only 12% of Indian organizations have implemented agentic AI, but this figure is expected to skyrocket to 58% within two years.
Workforce Dynamics Shift
HR leaders anticipate significant changes in workforce dynamics, with 24.7% of employees likely to be redeployed to new roles. This strategic move aims to boost productivity by 41.7% and reduce labor costs by 26.2%. Digital labor is no longer just a support function—it’s becoming a strategic imperative.
Adoption Challenges and Reskilling Efforts
Despite the momentum, 88% of Indian businesses have yet to fully adopt agentic AI, and 63% of HR leaders report that employees are unaware of how digital labor will impact their roles. To address this gap, 88% of CHROs are either already reskilling workers (15%) or planning to do so (73%), focusing on both technical and soft skills.
Essential Skills for the Future
AI literacy has emerged as the most critical skill, alongside interpersonal capabilities. As AI agents handle routine tasks, human workers are expected to transition into relationship-focused roles, such as account management and partnerships. 54% of CHROs plan to redeploy employees into these positions, while others will move into roles centered on compliance, ethics, and AI governance.
Expanding Roles in R&D and IT
With 59% of organizations expecting growth in research and development and 51% in IT, the HR function is becoming central to navigating the AI transition.
Leadership Insights
Nathalie Scardino, President and Chief People Officer at Salesforce, emphasized the transformative nature of this shift:
"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."
This report underscores the urgent need for businesses to adapt to the AI-driven future, ensuring their workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive.
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About the Author
David Chen
AI Startup Analyst
Senior analyst focusing on AI startup ecosystem with 11 years of venture capital and startup analysis experience. Former member of Sequoia Capital AI investment team, now independent analyst writing AI startup and investment analysis articles for Forbes, Harvard Business Review and other publications.