Upwork Inc. Unveils Human+Agent Productivity Index, Showcasing Significant Gains in Project Completion

On November 13, 2025, Upwork Inc. (Nasdaq: UPWK), a leading name in the human and AI-powered work marketplace, released groundbreaking findings from its newly developed Human+Agent Productivity Index (HAPI). This innovative index marks a significant advancement in understanding how the collaboration between human professionals and AI agents enhances productivity in knowledge work.

The HAPI has demonstrated that projects involving collaboration between human workers and AI agents exhibit completion rates that are up to 70% higher compared to those tackled by AI agents alone. This analysis was derived from over 300 real client projects on Upwork, specifically chosen for their simplicity and clarity, ensuring that AI agents had the best chance of success. Notably, these straightforward tasks constitute less than 6% of Upwork’s total gross services volume (GSV), highlighting the potential for greater applications in the broader freelance and contingent work market.

Unlike traditional evaluations that depend on synthetic datasets or isolated AI tests, the HAPI is grounded in real-world applications, drawing insights from actual client projects. This refreshing approach sheds light on the synergy between human creativity and AI capabilities, illustrating that while AI agents can perform tasks independently, their effectiveness significantly increases when paired with skilled human professionals.

Andrew Rabinovich, Upwork's Chief Technology Officer and head of AI & machine learning, emphasized this collaboration, stating, “In our Human+Agent Productivity Index, agents struggle to complete simple real-world projects on their own. However, when paired with expert human professionals, project completion rates improve dramatically.” This statement underscores Upwork's conviction that the future of work will hinge on the collaboration between humans and AI, leveraging human intuition and domain expertise to achieve superior results.

Upwork has plans to present the full results of the Human+Agent Productivity Index at the upcoming NeurIPS workshop. This event is anticipated to attract significant attention from industry experts and stakeholders interested in the intersection of AI and human labor.

Upwork Inc. continues to be a pivotal player in connecting businesses with global, AI-enabled talent across various contingent work types, including freelance, fractional, and payrolled solutions. Its suite of services includes the Upwork Marketplace, which facilitates on-demand access to highly skilled talent, and Lifted, a tailored solution for enterprises seeking to manage and pay talent efficiently.

With a strong portfolio that spans over 10,000 skills—including AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, and finance—Upwork empowers businesses of all sizes to leverage expert talent and embrace AI-driven work solutions. Since its inception, Upwork has successfully facilitated transactions exceeding $30 billion, steadfast in its mission to create opportunities across all stages of work.

The introduction of the Human+Agent Productivity Index by Upwork Inc. is a significant milestone in understanding how human expertise and AI can collaborate to enhance productivity in the workforce. As businesses increasingly navigate the complexities of the modern work environment, the insights derived from HAPI will be invaluable in shaping future strategies and operational frameworks, emphasizing the indispensable role of human professionals in conjunction with AI technologies.