6 In 10 Businesses Plan 2026 Layoffs, Fueled By AI And Economic Fears

🎯 Impact Sentiment: Concerning

📋 Summary

• Nearly 60% of businesses expect to lay off workers in 2026, citing AI adoption and ongoing economic and policy worries.
• Almost half of companies have already slowed or frozen hiring, with economic uncertainty, tariffs, and AI investments driving the pullback.
• High earners, employees without AI skills, recent hires, and those in entry-level or repetitive roles are at the greatest risk of layoffs.
• Companies are rapidly investing in AI to cut costs and automate tasks, pushing workers to quickly reskill or risk losing their jobs.

💡 JR Insights

• 💼 Implication: If you don’t have solid AI skills or a flexible, adaptive mindset, your job could be on the line—especially if you’re in a repetitive or administrative role.
• 🚨 Risk: Many professionals—particularly high earners and those slow to upskill—face a serious threat of being replaced, as companies prioritize cost-cutting over loyalty or traditional experience.
• ✨ Takeaway: Don’t wait for a layoff notice. Focus on building real AI fluency, sharpen your digital and critical thinking skills, and be ready to show how you add value beyond what a bot can do.