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AI replicas of employees enter the workplace
Technology consultancy Bloor Research has spent three years developing AI-driven digital twins of its staff, enabling workers to offload tasks to their virtual counterparts. The initiative, dubbed "Digital Me," is now standard for new hires and has been tested by 20 other companies, with broader rollout planned later in 2026.
How digital twins function
Richard Skellett, chief analyst at Bloor Research, created the first prototype-"Digital Richard"-by training a small language model on his meetings, documents, and communications. The AI mimics his problem-solving style and assists with business decisions, client presentations, and even personal tasks like family logistics. Access is restricted: colleagues see only work-related data, while private tabs remain off-limits.
The technology has since expanded across Bloor's 50-employee team. One analyst used their digital twin to phase into retirement, while another's AI replica covered maternity leave, eliminating the need for temporary hires.
Productivity gains and ethical dilemmas
Proponents argue digital twins boost efficiency. Josh Bersin, CEO of HR consultancy The Josh Bersin Company, reports 30% annual growth with minimal hiring, attributing gains to AI-enhanced productivity. His team's digital twins handle routine queries, freeing staff for higher-value work. Bersin calls this phenomenon the "superworker," noting that AI doesn't tire-even answering questions overnight.
"People don't have the energy for another call, but you can wake the digital twin at 3 a.m. and talk for an hour-it doesn't care."
Josh Bersin, CEO, The Josh Bersin Company
Yet legal and ethical uncertainties persist. Key debates include ownership of the AI replica (employer vs. employee), compensation for increased output, and liability for errors. Gartner's Kaelyn Lowmaster warns of governance gaps: "We'll likely see the negative consequences before the benefits."
Ownership and compensation models diverge
Skellett advocates for employee ownership of digital twins, with companies paying to access them. Bloor Research ties pay to outcomes, not hours, arguing AI invalidates traditional hourly wages. Bersin, however, believes workplace IP-including digital twins-belongs to employers, though he acknowledges their value may decay if an employee leaves.
Employment lawyers highlight unresolved tensions. Anjali Malik of Bellevue Law notes the technology intersects with consent, data control, and labor substitution. Chloe Themistocleous of Eversheds Sutherland predicts tribunals will shape precedent, as statutory guidance lags behind adoption.
Legal gray areas and future risks
Jean-Pierre van Zyl of Square One Law foresees disputes if employees face discipline for their AI twin's actions. Without clear regulations, tribunals may decide fairness case-by-case. Meanwhile, Meta's reported AI replica of Mark Zuckerberg could accelerate corporate interest, despite unanswered questions about accountability and worker rights.
As digital twins proliferate, experts urge proactive policies to balance innovation with protections for both employers and employees.
