AI to Lead to Fewer Workers at Many Companies in Next 5 Years: Adecco Survey

ZURICH, April 5 - A recent survey conducted by Adecco Group, a staffing provider, indicates that artificial intelligence will likely lead many companies to employ fewer workers in the next five years.

The survey polled 2,000 senior executives from large global companies. 41% of respondents expect their workforces to shrink due to AI technology adoption. Generative AI capabilities, such as auto-generated text, photos and videos, raise both opportunities to eliminate repetitive tasks as well as risks of job obsolescence.

In recent months, technology giants including Google and Microsoft have undergone rounds of layoffs while shifting focus to AI systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's chatbot Gemini. Adecco's survey findings are consistent with a prior 2023 World Economic Forum study, where 25% of companies anticipated AI-driven job losses but 50% projected new roles being created.

However, while most executives view AI as transformative, the vast majority report inadequate progress integrating the technology. Adecco CEO Denis Machuel commented that "almost all jobs are going to be impacted by AI in some way." While AI poses job elimination risks, he noted digital technologies have historically created new opportunities to offset losses. Companies should prioritize upskilling existing workers over external hiring to manage disruption.

Adecco surveyed businesses in various industries across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Canada, Australia and Singapore. The staffing firm itself utilizes AI to develop client resumes and sees "massive opportunity" in AI-driven consulting services and training projects.​