A new artificial intelligence agent designed to improve workplace efficiency is drawing attention for creating stress among employees due to its constant monitoring of their performance.
According to reports cited by NDTV, the AI system, named Junior, acts as a virtual colleague that tracks employee activity and reports delays or mistakes directly to company managers.
The AI agent was developed by Ques AI, founded by entrepreneur Xiancong Wu.
Unlike traditional software tools, Junior has been designed to function like a highly efficient employee that works around the clock.
It has full access to a company’s internal communication systems, including emails, data, and messaging platforms.
The system monitors work processes and automatically sends reminders if tasks remain incomplete.
For example, if a sales proposal is sent and a follow-up does not occur within the expected time frame, Junior begins sending warning messages early in the morning.
If an employee fails to respond quickly, the AI escalates the issue to supervisors.
Many employees say the AI’s strict oversight feels like constant surveillance. In some cases, staff have reportedly created private chat groups to discuss ways to cope with the pressure caused by the system’s monitoring.
One employee reportedly asked the AI agent to “be less strict” and stop reporting minor issues to management, but the system ignored the request and continued its automated monitoring.
Hiring a junior is not cheap. The service costs around $24,000 per year, or roughly $2,000 per month, which in some countries is higher than the salary of a junior employee.
Despite the high cost, demand has been strong. Since its launch on March 13, more than 2,000 companies have expressed interest in testing the system.
Even demonstration sessions cost $500, and all available slots have reportedly been booked.
Junior operates much like a regular employee, with its own phone number, email account, and messaging identity.
It can join online meetings, analyze conversations, and convert discussions into tasks.
Wu claims the AI now manages around 80 percent of internal communications and coding tasks within his company, while also handling nearly half of its sales calls.
Currently, 26 companies in the United States and Japan are paying to use the system. However, due to its heavy computing requirements, access remains limited.
Wu says businesses are entering a new corporate era where employees must adapt to working alongside artificial intelligence or risk falling behind professionally.