Workers say AI will cut jobs, not boost careers, survey finds
A new national survey suggests that many U.S. workers are increasingly skeptical about how artificial intelligence will be used in the workplace. Conducted by Resume Now®, the study surveyed more than 1,000 employed adults and found that most employees expect AI to serve corporate cost-cutting goals rather than worker advancement. The findings highlight growing uncertainty about the role of automation in shaping the future of work. They also point to a widening trust gap between employers and employees.
The AI Agenda Report shows that 59% of workers believe employers will use AI primarily to cut jobs and reduce costs in 2026. At the same time, 48% expect productivity and collaboration to improve, while 39% believe AI will be used for monitoring and workplace control. Only a small share of respondents, 11%, believe AI will create new opportunities for workers. The results suggest mixed expectations, with concern outweighing optimism.
AI workplace job cuts survey reveals trust gap
“Workers are not necessarily saying AI has no place at work,” said Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. “What they are saying is that trust depends on how employers use it.” He added that acceptance depends on whether AI is introduced as a supportive tool or a cost-cutting mechanism. The statement reflects broader concerns about transparency and fairness in workplace automation. It also underscores how perception shapes AI adoption in corporate environments.
The survey also found strong resistance to AI-driven decision-making in hiring and promotions. A total of 63% of workers said AI should not be involved in these decisions at all. Meanwhile, 28% would accept AI only with human oversight, and just 9% would trust AI more than managers. These results highlight a clear boundary employees are unwilling to cross. They suggest human judgment remains central to career advancement decisions.
Mandatory AI use and workload concerns
When asked about mandatory daily AI use at work, responses were divided across the workforce. Only 11% said they would feel very positive about it, while 22% were somewhat positive. A larger share, 38%, remained neutral and unsure of its impact. Meanwhile, 29% expressed negative reactions, including some who said they might consider leaving their job. The data reflects uneven confidence in forced AI adoption.
Most workers also do not expect AI to significantly reduce their workload in 2026. More than half, 53%, expect their workload to remain unchanged, while 20% believe it will increase due to added complexity. Only 27% expect AI to lighten their workload through automation. These findings challenge common assumptions that AI will immediately improve efficiency. Instead, many workers anticipate adjustment challenges rather than relief.
AI workplace job cuts survey highlights ethics concerns
On questions of responsibility, 39% of respondents said employers should ensure ethical AI use at work. Others pointed to tech companies, government regulators, and employees themselves as partial stakeholders. The results suggest no single authority is seen as fully accountable for AI governance. They also reflect growing demand for clearer oversight structures.
The survey concludes that workers are not rejecting AI entirely, but are questioning its implementation and impact. As businesses continue integrating AI systems into operations, employee trust appears closely tied to transparency and intent. The findings indicate that the future of workplace AI will depend not only on capability, but also on perceived fairness. This tension between efficiency and trust is likely to shape workplace adoption in the years ahead.
