99% of CEOs Say AI Will Cut Jobs Within 2 Years, Global Survey Warns of Workplace Shake-Up
Analytics Insight, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026
A Mercer survey finds 99% of executives expect AI to reduce workforce numbers within two years.
A Mercer survey of nearly 12,000 business leaders and HR professionals found that over 99% anticipate AI-driven job reductions within the next two years, and 98% expect significant organizational restructuring as companies automate to boost efficiency and cut costs.
Major technology firms including Amazon, Atlassian, and Snap have already announced layoffs linked to AI investment, with roughly 50,000 employees affected by such reductions in 2025.
Despite these projections, economists debate whether current job losses truly reflect AI's actual impact, as some sectors continue hiring. The takeaway is that workers must prepare for roles requiring greater technological adaptability rather than routine task execution.