A growing wave of automation is set to reshape the workforce, with three in ten companies in the US planning to replace employees with artificial intelligence (AI) by 2026, according to a new survey.
The study from AIResumeBuilder.com, which polled 1,250 US business leaders, also found that one in five companies reported already replacing jobs with AI in 2025. Administrative, customer service and IT support roles are expected to be hit hardest, reflecting the areas where AI adoption is already most widespread.
Among organisations anticipating AI-driven layoffs next year, 59% expect to eliminate at least 10% of their workforce, while 10% forecast AI could replace half or more of their employees. Sectors most vulnerable include IT, software, finance, energy, accounting, telecoms, human resources, manufacturing and retail.
ROLES MOST AT RISK
Customer support (54%), administrative/clerical positions (49%) and IT support (47%) top the list of functions companies expect to automate. These roles overlap with areas where AI is already heavily used, such as data analysis (61%), meeting summarisation (58%) and research tasks (56%).
However, AI proficiency may act as a safeguard. Two-thirds of business leaders said employees with AI skills enjoy greater job security, and most companies planning to hire in 2026 said they prefer candidates with knowledge of AI tools.
Rachel Serwetz, a career advisor at AIResumeBuilder.com, urged professionals to embrace AI literacy. “Professionals should identify the AI tools most relevant to their field and become fluent in how to use them effectively. Even in roles at risk of automation, there’s still a need for people to manage, guide or complement those tools,” she said.
AI RESHAPING PRODUCTIVITY EXPECTATIONS
The survey also highlighted a shift in workplace productivity. Nearly nine in ten companies (86%) reported that AI is making employees more productive, with over half expecting those who use AI to deliver “a lot” or “significantly” more work each week.
Serwetz cautioned against overestimating output. “Instead of thinking in terms of ‘more work,’ it’s about working faster and smarter. If your role isn’t designed for higher output through AI, it’s important to align with your manager on realistic expectations,” she advised.
THE IMPACT ON WORKPLACES & WORKERS
For workplace decision-makers, the survey signals an urgent need to rethink workforce planning and employee development. Companies must balance AI adoption with reskilling initiatives to maintain morale, retain talent and ensure seamless integration of AI tools. Strategic hiring increasingly requires candidates with AI literacy to future-proof operations.
For individual professionals, the findings highlight the importance of proactive skill development. Roles traditionally considered secure, such as administrative or IT support, are increasingly vulnerable to automation. Learning to leverage AI in one’s role – whether for data analysis, research or customer service – cannot only safeguard employment but also enhance productivity and career growth. Those who embrace AI fluency will likely enjoy a competitive edge, while those who resist adaptation may face shrinking opportunities.
Check out the full survey here.
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