AI Is a Strategic Partner in the Modern Enterprise

EY's Martin and Whittaker on How AI Assists Employees and Boosts Productivity Matthew Perry • November 28, 2025

Organizations are pushing forward with artificial intelligence to increase productivity and reduce operational friction, yet the most critical question is: Would AI replace workers or enhance their performance? "In the long term, we will continue to see a very close partnership between humans and AI going forward. But today, for sure, AI is the assistant motion," said John Whittaker, director of AI platform and products at EY.

AI is a powerful assistant because it handles the heavy-lifting tasks that normally demand significant time from employees, said Sherry Martin, director and digital engagement leader at EY. "If you're looking at it initially in terms of, 'I'm going to displace people,' you're beginning from the wrong starting point."

Whittaker and Martin said companies need to calibrate workforce strategies around enablement. Employees ...