AI is reshaping workplaces faster than anyone expected. Companies are changing their strategies and restructuring businesses, keeping AI at the center of transformation. Amidst all this change, AI is also quietly raising concerns about the future of human jobs. Critics argue that most human roles will be taken over by machines in the coming years. However, a new report suggests that future may be closer than expected.

According to the latest survey by AIResumeBuilder.com, three out of 10 businesses are preparing to replace employees with AI by 2026. The report, based on responses from 1,250 US business leaders, highlights a new wave of automation that could severely impact the workforce.

In 2025 alone, about 21 percent of companies say they have replaced some job roles with AI systems. But the biggest change is reportedly still to come, with nearly a third planning deep automation in 2026. Sectors such as IT, banking, energy, retail and financial services are most likely to experience AI-driven layoffs as companies pursue scale, efficiency and productivity in a tough economic environment.

AI will push companies towards job cuts

And it’s not just little cuts here and there. Among those who fear AI-linked layoffs, the report shows that 59 percent expect at least 10 percent of their workforce to be affected. Furthermore, one in ten businesses believe that half of their workforce could be replaced by AI. Sectors such as software, accounting, telecommunications, consulting, manufacturing and human resources are at particularly high risk, as AI is not only automating routine tasks but also increasingly encroaching on skilled professional tasks.

Meanwhile, reports show that customer-facing roles appear to be the weakest over the next year. The survey said 54 percent of companies expect to replace customer service and support roles with AI tools in 2026. Administrative and clerical roles account for 49 percent, followed by IT and technical support jobs at 47 percent. These fears tie into areas where AI adoption is already growing, from chatbot-based support and meeting summaries to automated data analysis and internal knowledge systems.

Despite workforce concerns, business leaders remain relatively optimistic about the pickup. A large majority – 86 percent – ​​believe that AI is already making their teams more productive. Expectations are also changing, with 17 percent of employers expecting significantly higher output from employees using AI tools, 36 percent expecting “a lot more,” and 39 percent expecting “a little more.”

Learning AI skills is now essential

As automation accelerates, AI skills are increasingly becoming a make-or-break factor for job security. According to the survey, about 67 percent of business leaders say that employees with AI capabilities are less likely to face layoffs, and hiring priorities are changing in favor of candidates familiar with AI-powered workflows.

Learning AI is not just a trend but is becoming a must-have for anyone hoping to remain relevant in the future workforce. Many influential leaders in Silicon Valley have stressed the importance of learning AI tools to gain an edge in the competitive world in the future. Alexander Wang, Meta’s AI lead, urged teens and young professionals to dive into AI early to stay competitive.

OpenAI leaders, including Sam Altman, have also repeatedly emphasized that understanding AI tools will be as fundamental as basic computer literacy once was. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang has also encouraged students to “run instead of walk” to learn AI. According to tech gurus, as automation accelerates, AI literacy is the key to future career security and opportunity.