AI is already fueling layoffs, but there’s a silver lining for some workers (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — Employee concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on their career prospects have ramped up as generative AI tools like ChatGPT have taken center stage.
They have good reason to be concerned, according to a new survey of 984 business leaders by ResumeTemplates, which found 3 in 10 companies said they have replaced workers with AI this year. Additionally, 38% of companies that said they will use AI in 2025 will replace workers with the technology next year.
“AI technology is advancing quickly, and one of the main selling points is efficiency,” said Julia Toothacre, ResumeTemplates’ chief career strategist. “There are many AI programs out there that supplement or do the work of positions that don’t require significant human interaction.”
While many companies are only wading into AI and the technology generally requires humans to prompt or provide data, many are looking to use the technology to consolidate positions.
That being said, employers’ growing investments in AI are also creating opportunities for some workers.
About 87% of business leaders who have hiring plans in 2025 said having AI experience is beneficial for job seekers. Furthermore, 7 in 10 business leaders believe employees with AI skills have more job security.
“Gaining AI skills will improve your hireability because there are still a lot of people who resist new technology,” Toothacre said. “AI is still new and a novelty, so many workers don’t see the value in learning how to utilize it in their jobs.”
In the corporate world, professionals looking to advance their careers have an opportunity to become the go-to person for AI in their company or department, which will improve their career prospects.
“Even if you aren’t an expert, start learning,” Toothacre said.
The impact of AI on productivity
Among companies that are currently using AI, 90% said the technology has improved productivity.
That being said, Toothacre said employers should still be cautious about wading into the technology.
“This is a learning period for everyone as companies adopt AI and implement it into daily productivity,” Toothacre said. “I suggest employers give workers the freedom to explore right now before demanding more from them.”
Experts say companies should be transparent with customers and employees alike when it comes to how AI is being used by the organization.
Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Workplace Intelligence, previously told The Playbook a lack of transparency can be a real problem when it comes to AI.
That’s partially because so many workers are anxious about the potential of the technology to cause layoffs.
“Organizations must be more upfront about how they’re using AI in the workplace if they want a competitive advantage and want to earn, and keep, the trust of their employees,” Schawbel said in a recent story.