Workday expands Illuminate platform with seven new AI agents

By Alexander S. Gillis, Technical Writer and Editor
Published: 29 May 2025

Workday is rolling out seven new AI agents to its Illuminate platform between now and the end of 2025. These agents are designed to automate tasks across HR and finance, helping customers streamline previously manual processes.

Key Highlights

• Integrated AI Platform: Workday's Illuminate platform, formerly known as Workday AI, already includes a set of AI agents that perform tasks without user intervention. The new additions focus on recruiting, expense management, and business process optimization.
• Deep Integration: According to Shane Luke, VP of Workday Illuminate, the new agents are deeply embedded into existing Workday workflows, eliminating the need for separate logins or management.

New AI Agents

The seven new agents include:

1. Contingent Sourcing Agent: Streamlines temporary hiring by identifying talent and improving applicant quality.
2. Contract Intelligence Agent: Reviews contracts to track risks, key dates, and fees.
3. Contract Negotiation Agent: Drafts contract language and detects risks to aid negotiations.
4. Document-Driven Accounting Agent: Automates accounting entries by extracting data from documents.
5. Frontline Agent: Enables text-based absence reporting for compliance and shift management.
6. Self-Service Agent: A chatbot that assists employees and managers with tasks and questions.
7. Supplier Contracts Agent: Reviews supplier contracts to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Deployment and Governance

Customers can deploy and manage these agents through the Workday Agent System of Record, a new governance framework for AI agents. The agents will be sold separately to customers with relevant Illuminate licenses.

Industry Perspective

Mickey North Rizza, Group VP at IDC, noted that Workday's approach is novel due to its governance system, which allows organizations to monitor AI investments effectively. A recent IDC survey found that 87% of IT leaders believe agentic AI will eliminate manual workflows within 18 months.

Availability

• Available Now: Contract intelligence and contract negotiation agents.
• End of 2025: Self-service agent.
• Early 2026: Contingent sourcing, document-driven accounting, frontline, and supplier contracts agents.

Alexander S. Gillis is a technical writer and editor in the WhatIs group at Informa TechTarget.