Survey Reveals CEOs Ready to Cut Jobs Due to AI, Young Workers Most at Risk

JAKARTA, VIVA — A wave of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the workplace is expected to trigger widespread job cuts in the coming years. A recent Mercer report reveals nearly all surveyed CEOs are preparing for workforce reductions due to AI implementation. In the Global Talent Trends 2026 report, 99% of CEOs stated that AI initiatives at their companies are likely to cause layoffs within the next two years. The majority of executives believe automated work systems will deliver the biggest business benefits. However, only 32% are confident that human and machine labour can currently collaborate optimally. Corporations are increasingly racing to adopt AI as a new profit booster. Many tech firms, particularly in Silicon Valley, claim AI makes operations more efficient, necessitating staff reductions. However, experts question whether AI truly delivers the promised productivity gains. “Some even argue the narrative of AI threatening jobs has been exaggerated by the tech industry to drive sales of AI products,” Gizmodo reported on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. Young workers are reportedly the most affected by this trend. Another consultant survey indicates most AI-driven job cuts will target entry-level or early-career roles. This is because AI is most effective at automating simple tasks typically handled by junior staff as part of their career development. However, many companies now prefer using AI chatbots that work around the clock over training new generations of workers. The impact of this trend is already being felt in the global job market. Recent studies published over the past year show AI is beginning to affect job opportunities for fresh graduates and young workers. The job market for those aged 22 to 27 is now the worst since the Covid-19 pandemic, with many young people feeling increasingly pessimistic about their future due to rapid AI advancements.