New Study: AI Layoffs Happening Already

Almost half of companies say AI usage reduces the need for human staffers.

Career professionals who predicted artificial intelligence would lead to job losses can take grim satisfaction they were right along – at least, according to one new study.

A survey of 750 U.S. companies already using AI by Resume Builders states that 37% of those firms have already laid off employees as a direct result of artificial intelligence implementations. Furthermore, 44% expect similar layoffs in 2024.

“I’m not surprised by these results, and I hope this article is a wake-up call for anyone rejecting AI in their industry or function,” says Julia Toothacre, ResumeBuilder’s resume and career strategist.

Toothacre encourages employees “to consider all parts” of their position and what could be taken over by AI. Figure out what part of your position can’t be taken over by AI or where AI might need human intervention and become the go-to person for those tasks. Employees need to find ways to grow their skills and stay relevant in their field if they don’t want their job to be given to AI.”

More Room For Workers With AI Skills

On the upside for employees, 91% of U.S. businesses surveyed by Resume Builder who already leverage AI tools plan on hiring new employees in 2024, but will emphasize new talent with artificial intelligence skills and experience.

“96% say it will be very beneficial (65%) or somewhat beneficial (31%) for candidates to have experience with AI,” the survey states. “Additionally, 83% of this same group say employees who have AI skills will definitely (45%) or probably (38%) have more job security at their company than those who do not.”

For workers, especially those in traditional white-collar fields, the time to get started on honing those AI skills is right now.

“At the end of the day, employees need to realize that AI isn’t coming, it’s here. It’s time to embrace it if it may be a threat to your position or career path,” adds Toothacre.

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone tracking the upward trajectory of AI in 2023.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020, approximately 85 million jobs are predicted to be impacted by a shift “in the division of labor between humans and machines, while 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms.”

Or, as Elon Musk put it at this year’s AI Safety Summit in London, “I think we are seeing the most disruptive force in history; we will have something that for the first time is smarter than the smartest human…There will come a point where no job is needed.”





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