Nearly 9 in 10 Jobs Will Feel AI's Impact in 2026, New HR Leader Survey Reveals
The workplace revolution is accelerating faster than most expected. A new flash survey from CNBC's Workforce Executive Council reveals that 89% of senior HR leaders predict AI will significantly reshape jobs in the next 12 months, marking a dramatic shift from current adoption levels.
Currently, 67% of HR executives report AI is already impacting jobs at their organizations, with "impact" defined as automating significant employee tasks or changing daily work routines. However, most organizations haven't fully integrated AI tools across all positions yet.
What This Means for Workers and Employers
The survey of 21 senior HR leaders shows a mixed outlook for employment:
- Job transformation, not elimination: Nearly half (45%) expect AI to affect 50% or more of all jobs, but workforce reductions will stem from "general cost-cutting needs," not AI efficiency gains
- Skills over degrees: HR leaders anticipate "more skill-based, AI-enabled hiring rather than traditional degree-based hiring"
- Innovation boost: 78% of leaders say AI has made their workforce more innovative, while 61% report increased company efficiency
The Productivity Promise
Supporting this transformation, new research from the London School of Economics found that employees using AI for work tasks save an average of 7.5 hours per week. Meanwhile, Indeed's September report indicates 26% of job postings are poised to "radically transform" due to AI.
As one survey participant noted, AI represents "an opportunity to accelerate the human experience, not replace it." For workers, this means focusing on developing AI-complementary skills and staying adaptable as roles evolve.
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