As the World Economic Forum in Davos reaches its penultimate day, the elite gathering of the world’s business and political leaders is leaving behind a lingering question that could redefine the future of work: Who will manage your AI colleagues?
It’s a question that’s been buzzing like a persistent mosquito among the attendees, as they navigate the murky waters of integrating AI into the workforce.
In a world where AI agents are no longer just hypothetical but are on the verge of being as commonplace as a coffee break, the notion of managing these digital colleagues is raising eyebrows and conversations.
Lattice, an HR software firm, found itself in the hot seat last year when it announced plans to give AI workers official employment records—a move dismissed by some as premature.
However, Lattice CEO Sarah Franklin, speaking at Davos, now appears somewhat vindicated, asserting, “We were ahead, but by months.” Managing AI in the workplace
The sentiment is echoed by Becky Frankiewicz, ManpowerGroup’s chief commercial officer, who notes that business leaders are seriously contemplating governance structures for AI. AI in human resources
Tech companies are poised to lead the charge, but it’s not just the tech giants grappling with these challenges.
Frankiewicz pointed out a consulting firm already wrestling with the concept of AI management.
“They’ve done the agents already,” she explained.
“The next question they were asking was: do we need to have managers for the agents?”
This is not just a logistical challenge but a philosophical one. Impact of AI on workforce
It’s about redefining the human element in management.
Who holds accountability when an AI makes a decision?
How do we measure the performance of something that doesn’t require coffee breaks or complain about overtime?
And more importantly, what does this mean for human job security and satisfaction?
As Davos participants ponder these questions, the town itself is already looking ahead.
The conference may not officially conclude until Friday, but the wheels for the 2026 event are already spinning.
Businesses are scrambling to secure their spots along the Promenade, the bustling heart of Davos during the forum, and restaurants are holding out for lucrative full-space rentals next year.
For local businesses, the annual influx of global leaders and their entourages is akin to striking gold.
Retailers transform their shops into temporary “hauses,” cashing in on the opportunity, while a simple souvenir T-shirt can fetch an eye-popping $40.
It’s a reminder that even in the age of AI, some things—like a keepsake from Davos—still hold tangible value.
As the forum draws to a close, the discussions are far from over.
With each AI agent that joins the workforce, the need for a new kind of management becomes more pressing. Future of work and AI
As businesses worldwide prepare for this shift, the question remains: Are we ready to manage our AI colleagues, or will they end up managing us?
