Workday unveils AI agents to streamline HR and financial tasks

SAN FRANCISCO – Global enterprises, including those in Singapore, will soon have access to a suite of AI-powered tools designed to simplify HR and financial processes. Workday, a leading HR and finance platform, announced six new AI agents at its Workday Rising conference in San Francisco, slated for release in 2026.

Key Highlights:

Performance Agent:

One of the standout tools is the performance agent, which aims to alleviate the burden of employee performance reviews. According to Workday's Chief Technology Officer Peter Bailis, the agent compiles data from an employee's resume, skills, and historical performance to provide managers with a comprehensive assessment. "Done well, performance reviews shape culture, drive outcomes, and rewards," Bailis noted.

Other AI Agents:

Workday also introduced five additional AI agents:

• Case Agent: Handles low-complexity HR disputes, freeing managers to focus on more complex issues.
• Job Architecture Agent: Helps SMEs establish clear career progression pathways.
• Financial Close Agent: Streamlines financial reporting by flagging issues in real-time.
• Recruiter Agent: Reduces candidate screening time (e.g., General Motors saw a 70% reduction).
• Talent Mobility Agent: Aids in talent development.

Regional Focus:

Workday's Singapore office, which serves as the headquarters for Southeast Asia, is expanding its workforce. Carl Eschenbach, Workday's CEO, reaffirmed Singapore's role as a strategic investment hub. The company is also eyeing growth in markets like Thailand, Indonesia, and India.

DIY AI Agent Tool:

In 2026, Workday will release the Workday Flowise Agent Builder, a user-friendly tool that allows non-developers to create custom AI agents. For example, managers could build an employee recognition agent to automate bonus approvals.

Data Security:

Workday emphasized data privacy with its Workday Data Cloud, which enables secure, zero-copy access to enterprise data without costly exports.

Human-Centric AI:

Workday co-founder Aneel Bhusri stressed that AI should augment, not replace, human workers. "We want AI to augment human beings," he said.