The rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace is taking a new turn, and this time, it’s not just about chatbots or automation. KPMG has announced plans to integrate agentic AI – an advanced AI system designed to work alongside humans, making fast decisions without needing human supervision. These AI agents, which are being developed for areas like audit, tax, and advisory, could redefine how businesses operate. But with AI getting smarter, concerns about job security are growing.

KPMG’s Vision: AI With High IQ and EQ

KPMG’s global head of AI, David Rowlands, revealed that the company is actively collaborating with tech partners to develop an intelligent, highly capable AI workforce. Unlike traditional automation tools, these AI agents are designed to think, decide, and act independently while working seamlessly with human employees.
A KPMG spokesperson further elaborated on the project, stating, “Soon we will be working side-by-side with an agentic workforce that is well-trained, fast, flush with intelligence – IQ and EQ – one that ignores siloes, borders, politics, and never sleeps.”
This means KPMG is aiming to build AI that is not just efficient but also emotionally intelligent. This emotional quotient (EQ) will allow AI to better understand and respond to client needs, making it more effective in roles traditionally handled by humans.

What Is Agentic AI?

Unlike regular AI assistants that require user input to function, agentic AI is designed to operate independently. It can make decisions, execute tasks, and automate complex workflows without human intervention.
IBM describes agentic AI as a system that focuses on decision-making rather than just content creation. Early examples of agentic AI include self-driving cars, virtual assistants, and AI-powered copilots that can perform specific tasks based on pre-set goals.
Many firms, including PwC, are also working on agentic AI. PwC UK’s chief technology officer, Umang Paw, revealed that his company has already deployed AI agents internally to manage data processing and client interactions, aiming to enhance efficiency and profitability.

Will AI Replace Human Jobs?

As agentic AI becomes more advanced, its impact on human jobs is becoming a pressing concern. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, recently stated that AI at Meta is approaching the skill level of mid-level software engineers. He predicts that by 2025, AI could take over much of the coding done by human engineers, leading to major workforce changes in the tech industry.
IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, has also voiced support for AI-driven automation. He told Bloomberg that some jobs, especially in Human Resources (HR), could be replaced by AI within five years. Krishna estimated that 30% of HR roles could disappear due to AI’s efficiency.
While AI promises greater speed and accuracy, it also raises serious concerns about job displacement. As companies like KPMG, PwC, Meta, and IBM continue to push the boundaries of AI, the workforce may have to adapt quickly to this new reality.