Business · Companies · 1 day ago
Companies are urged to assess AI’s impact before planning job cuts
The analysis argues that companies should not begin adopting artificial intelligence by deciding how many jobs to cut.
A global McKinsey survey found that 32% of participants in 2025 expected AI-related staff reductions within a year, but only 14% said cuts had happened a year later.
Two-thirds reported little or no change in total employment because of AI, while 39% now expect cuts in the next 12 months.
The survey also found that 80% said AI improved their individual productivity, but only 37% saw a positive effect on their organisation’s operating results.
Saving time does not always save money, because work may shift to new tasks, checking results or handling exceptions.
Gartner estimates that by 2029, 30% of employees dismissed because of AI replacement may need to be rehired, sometimes at higher cost.
The analysis recommends understanding how work should function and measuring its overall results before deciding whether fewer staff are needed.
Companies should examine how artificial intelligence changes work before making staff cuts, Cinco Días argues.
A McKinsey survey found that 32% of participants in 2025 expected AI-related workforce reductions within a year, but a year later only 14% said cuts had occurred.
Two-thirds reported little or no change in total employment attributable to AI.
Although 80% said AI improved individual productivity, only 37% reported a positive effect on their organization’s operating results.
The article says AI can shift work toward reviewing results, handling exceptions and managing risks, so savings in time do not automatically translate into economic value.
- Who
- Companies considering how AI will affect their workforces.
- What
- The article argues that companies should redesign and assess work before deciding on AI-related staff cuts.
- When
- Published on October 10, 2026; it also cites survey results from 2025 and the following year.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- AI-driven productivity gains do not necessarily improve operating results or remove the need for human oversight.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
32% of McKinsey survey participants expected AI to reduce their organization’s workforce during the following year.
14% said the reduction had occurred, while two-thirds reported little or no AI-related change in total employment.
39% anticipated workforce reductions.
Gartner estimates that 30% of employees dismissed through AI substitution will need to be rehired.
- McKinsey survey, 2025
- 32% expected workforce reductions within the following year.
- Reported reductions
- 14% said reductions had occurred a year later.
- Employment impact
- Two-thirds saw little or no change in total employment attributable to AI.
- Individual productivity
- 80% said AI had improved their individual productivity.
- Operating results
- 37% attributed a positive impact to AI.
- Gartner estimate, by 2029
- 30% of employees dismissed through AI substitution will need to be rehired.
Sources
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