BUSINESS

United States tech workers without AI skills vulnerable

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United States – New Gallup research shows that tech workers who rarely use artificial intelligence face a substantially higher risk of being laid off than colleagues who use the technology regularly. In a February survey of more than 23,000 U.S. workers, including 660 people who reported being unemployed after their jobs were eliminated, Gallup found that tech workers who use AI at least monthly have a predicted layoff probability of about 6%, compared with 18% for workers who use AI less often. Researchers analyzed how frequently both employed and displaced workers used AI, ranging from daily use to not at all, and then applied a statistical model to examine how AI-use frequency, industry and other worker characteristics were linked to job losses. United States – Gallup reported that the connection between regular AI use and lower layoff risk remains even after accounting for factors such as age, education level and sector, indicating that employees who do not use AI are more vulnerable in the job market. Outside the tech industry, workers who use AI infrequently also face an elevated risk of layoffs compared with peers who use the tools more routinely, though the gap is smaller than in tech. The findings suggest that AI adoption is becoming an internal dividing line within companies, as employers screen candidates for AI skills and appear more likely to retain workers who can use the technology when making staffing decisions, even as public concern about AI and job losses grows.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

February 2024 Gallup conducts large workforce survey
February 2024 23,000 U.S. workers provide responses
February 2024 660 respondents report displacement layoffs
February 2024 Researchers model AI use, job loss
February 2024 Tech workers using AI show 6% risk
February 2024 Infrequent AI users show 18% risk
February 2024 Elevated layoff risk seen beyond tech
This year employers screen candidates for AI fluency

Why This Matters to You

If you're in the tech industry, your AI skills could be a job saver. Even outside tech, AI fluency is becoming more important. It's not just about keeping up with technology. It's about job security. Consider brushing up on AI skills or taking a course.

The Bottom Line

AI is no longer a fancy extra—it's becoming a must-have. Employers are looking for AI skills when hiring and deciding who stays on board. If you're not using AI regularly, your job could be at risk. Worth forwarding if you know someone in tech.