Not many can say no to the changing power of AI, with customer experience (CX) sure to see some of its biggest and most immediate impacts. Yet what that future actually looks like—and how soon we can expect it—is less certain.

There’s always a gap between the development and adoption of new technologies, and AI is no different. How big that gap is depends on numerous factors and perhaps, most importantly, the readiness of teams. According to our research, 84 percent of CX leaders feel they need to do more to get ready for the impacts of AI, with 82 percent rethinking their whole approach.

Transitioning to a hybrid model will be key. This means accepting the efficiency improvements of automation without losing the human touch. But how quickly teams expect they can make these changes is an important question. We surveyed 600 CX leaders and agents to better understand their views on the evolution of their roles, their industry, and what that timeline might look like.

Here’s what they predict CX teams will look like one, three, and five years out:

Year 1: Agent as troubleshooter, AI as traffic cop

Looking one year out, teams will be focused on upskilling their agents while primarily using AI for ticket routing and deflection. During this period, training will be essential. In fact, 69 percent of respondents say that training on AI has increased or will do so in the next year, with a similar number citing increased training specifically on AI-driven sentiment analysis.

Agents will need to understand where AI fits into their evolving workflows and how tools like generative AI can make them more efficient. They will also start to provide a critical layer of AI oversight—ensuring that AI outputs are carefully monitored before going out to customers. 70 percent say this is happening or will happen in the next 12 months.

In addition to the technical aspects, respondents expect a greater emphasis on soft skills. The human element—empathy, communication, and understanding—will become even more critical to recruiters and teams.

Year 3: Agent as expert, AI as co-pilot

Three years from now, expect to see a closer partnership between human agents and bots—with each carving out their own unique set of roles and responsibilities. Agents will transition into deeper product and data expertise, all while relying on AI to drive a greater amount of routine customer engagement.

AI is also expected to play a critical role in providing real-time data on key performance metrics like customer sentiment and agent productivity. This will ensure that teams can optimise their operations and deliver the highest quality customer service.

61% of respondents say agents will transition into deep product and data experts within the next three years.

As agent skill sets broaden to include harder skills like data interpretation and analysis, recruitment strategies are expected to evolve. 62 percent of CX leaders and agents say that in three years, organizations will prioritise candidates with an aptitude for AI and tech.

Year 5: Agent as conductor, AI as driver

Within five years, agents will no longer just be experts. Instead, they will be conducting a harmonious symphony of AI-driven customer service. In this time frame, AI will become more than a tool—it will be driving the majority of customer interactions, preemptively addressing customer needs, and streamlining processes automatically as issues arise.

Even as AI takes on the lion’s share of engagement, agents will remain the human touchpoint by ensuring that every interaction feels genuine, approachable, and personal. Where necessary, they will have the authority and know-how to override AI's recommendations and create the best possible outcomes for customers.

Teams are expected to seamlessly leverage various innovative tools to improve customer experiences. This may include mixed reality for immersive customer solutions, digital twins to help scale their reach, or something entirely new.

70% of respondents say that agents will utilise mixed reality to help solve complex customer issues in the next five years.

Keeping the heart in customer service

As AI grows in influence and agent roles change, we expect massive changes to the world of customer service. Even though we don't know what the future holds, one thing very sure one: the need to connect with customers on a real, human level must still be the main priority for any solid CX team. And for that, agents will remain indispensable.

Learn more about what CX leaders and agents predict for the future of customer service lah.