Across workplaces in the United States, a quiet certainty has set in. Employees believe AI agents are no longer a futuristic concept but an imminent part of everyday work. They expect these systems to manage schedules, streamline reports, and absorb routine tasks that consume time and energy. Yet inside many organisations, preparation has not kept pace with expectation.A new study describes this moment as “AI limbo.” The AI Limbo Report, published by People Managing People, is based on two surveys conducted in December 2025, one of 1,000 employed workers and another of 379 HR professionals. Together, they present a revealing picture of how American workplaces are approaching AI agents and where they are falling behind.The conclusion is clear: Workers are ready, optimistic, and informed, while organisations are still struggling with training, governance, and communication.
AI feels close for US workers
For most employees, AI agents already feel embedded in workplace conversations. Nearly 78% of workers surveyed said they have heard the term “AI agent” used at work. More than half said their employer has mentioned or announced plans to introduce them. About 75% believe AI agents are already in use or will be introduced within the next year.Importantly, this awareness is not driven by fear. Around 66% of workers say they feel positive about AI in the workplace, while only 13% report negative feelings. Many see AI agents as practical tools rather than job threats. Roughly three-quarters say they would trust properly implemented AI agents to handle repetitive administrative tasks and routine workflows such as scheduling and report generation. From the worker’s perspective, the future looks near and manageable.
HR sees momentum, but also risk
HR professionals confirm that AI adoption is already underway in the US. About 65% say their organisation has evaluated or discussed AI agents, and 21% report that AI agents are already in use. By the end of 2026, 78% expect their organisation to deploy at least one AI agent.Yet HR leaders are far less confident about readiness. Only 18% say formal training on AI agents has been delivered. Nearly one-third say training is still being developed, while another 29% say no training has been provided at all. HR professionals believe 42% of employees are minimally prepared or not prepared at all to work with AI agents. This mismatch between adoption plans and workforce preparedness is what defines AI limbo.
A shared line that should not be crossed
Despite differences in readiness and trust, workers and HR leaders strongly agree on one point: AI agents should assist, not lead. Most expect AI to support analytical, administrative, technical, or customer service work. Only a small minority believes AI should play a role in leadership or managerial decision-making.Both groups also agree on what would make AI feel safer in US workplaces. Training, transparency around how AI systems operate, and clear human oversight consistently emerge as top priorities.
What the report means for US employers
The AI Limbo Report points to a critical insight for American organisations. AI adoption is not being slowed by employee resistance. Workers are informed, open, and ready to adapt. The real obstacle is organisational preparedness.Training has lagged behind ambition. Governance structures remain unclear. Communication has been inconsistent. Until these gaps are addressed, AI agents will remain stuck between promise and practice.For US employers, the path forward is less about speed and more about groundwork. Organisations that invest early in training, clarity, and human oversight are likely to see smoother adoption and stronger trust. Those who do not risk leaving their workforce waiting, aware that change is coming but unsure how to work with it when it arrives.