Overview
- CNBC’s Workforce Executive Council flash poll of 21 senior HR leaders finds 67% say AI already affects jobs, defined as significant task automation or daily workflow changes.
- Looking 12 months ahead, 89% expect job impact, with 45% forecasting effects on half or more of roles and 44% on less than half.
- Current penetration varies: about 50% report effects on fewer than half of jobs, 17% on half or more, 22% none, and 11% unsure.
- Staffing expectations are split, as 38% anticipate holding headcount steady, 29% foresee increases, and 29% expect cuts, with reductions tied to general cost control rather than AI efficiencies.
- Leaders cite efficiency (61%) and innovation (78%) gains while 39% say it is too early to judge, and some expect a shift toward skill‑based, AI‑enabled hiring as studies like LSE’s estimate 7.5 hours saved weekly for users.