Impact of AI on Workforce: Young Professionals at Risk

Changing Landscape for Young Professionals

A recent global survey indicates a significant shift in the job market for young professionals, as many business leaders anticipate that artificial intelligence (AI) will result in workforce reductions. According to Mercer's latest Global Talent Trends Report, over 99% of executives believe that AI will impact headcount within the next two years. This survey included insights from approximately 12,000 executives, HR professionals, and employees worldwide.

The report highlights that talent scarcity is a primary concern for executives, with 99% predicting some level of job cuts due to AI advancements. Notably, 60% of HR leaders foresee that 11-20% of their workforce will need to be reskilled or redeployed as a result of AI integration. Additionally, 40% of employees are contemplating leaving their jobs within the next year, indicating increasing pressure on employers to adapt.

Entry-level positions are particularly at risk, as tasks typically assigned to recent graduates and early-career professionals are increasingly being automated. The report reveals a sharp rise in companies planning to reduce junior-level roles, jumping from 17% to 43% in just one year.

Professionals aged 22 to 27 are deemed especially vulnerable, as many of their daily tasks can now be performed more efficiently by AI systems. Concerns regarding job displacement due to AI are escalating among employees. In 2024, 28% of workers expressed that job loss from AI was a significant worry regarding the future of work, with projections suggesting this figure could rise to 40% by 2026, reflecting growing anxiety about how automation and AI may transform job opportunities and career paths in the near future.