AI at a Crossroads: Workday Urges “Guardrails” Before It’s Too Late – TechRadar

As the buzz around AI grows louder, Workday’s co-CEO, Carl Eschenbach, warns that things are “getting a little bit scary.” Speaking at the Workday Rising Europe event in Barcelona, Eschenbach emphasized the urgent need for stricter controls and ethical frameworks around AI development. While Workday is embracing AI innovations within its products, Eschenbach stressed that without proper regulation, AI could spiral into areas that spawn serious societal and ethical challenges.

Workday, which supplies HR and finance solutions, is positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI. The company aims to implement what it calls “transparent guardrails” to ensure AI advances remain safe, reliable, and equitable. Echoing broader industry concerns, Eschenbach noted that navigating the rapid pace of AI breakthroughs requires a “balanced approach”—leveraging benefits without compromising safety or trust.

This candid acknowledgment from one of enterprise software’s biggest players underscores a growing consensus: AI’s future success depends not just on innovation, but on responsibility. As tech giants and legislators grapple with the best path forward, Workday’s message is clear—act now, or risk AI’s promise turning into peril.