Artificial intelligence will eliminate fewer than 5% of jobs over the next two years while creating more opportunities than it destroys, according to C-suite executives surveyed in the comprehensive Forbes Research 2025 AI Survey. The research, which polled more than 1,000 global leaders about AI adoption and workforce impact, reveals a significantly more optimistic outlook than previous predictions, with 59% of executives believing AI will ultimately create rather than eliminate job opportunities—a substantial increase from just 33% who held this view in 2024.
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Executive Outlook on AI Job Elimination
While tech leaders like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predict AI could eliminate half of white-collar positions, the broader executive community leans closer to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s perspective that “many new jobs will be created.” The survey data shows that 94% of C-suite leaders anticipate minimal job displacement, with fewer than 5% of positions eliminated in their organizations over the next two years. This positive outlook reflects growing confidence in human-AI collaboration models that augment rather than replace human workers, according to recent analysis of workforce transformation trends.
Overcoming Employee Resistance to AI Adoption
One of the most significant challenges identified by executives is helping employees trust and adapt to new tools without fearing job loss. “Cultural change takes time, and fear of job loss affects involvement,” noted one survey respondent. Companies are actively addressing these concerns, with 68% of organizations implementing clear strategies to shift the AI narrative from job replacement to augmentation. Industry experts note that successful AI implementation requires balancing technological advancement with workforce concerns, as highlighted in additional coverage of AI innovation transforming business operations.
Reskilling and Workforce Transition Strategies
Companies are proactively transitioning employees from non-AI roles to AI-related positions, with 44% of chief human resources officers reporting active reskilling programs. The most common approaches include:
- Training programs (57% of companies)
- Mentorship and career growth initiatives (54%)
- Internal mobility pathways
- Collaborative human-AI work models
However, one executive cautioned that “retraining infrastructure lags behind the rate of AI transformation,” suggesting companies must accelerate their upskilling efforts. Data from AI software development capabilities indicates that technical roles are evolving rapidly, requiring continuous learning adaptation.
Departmental Variations in AI Impact
An employee’s experience with AI transformation varies dramatically depending on their department. The survey found significant concentration in technical functions, with:
- 69% of executives reporting heaviest AI use in IT infrastructure
- Only 3% implementing AI extensively in HR operations
- Just 2% using AI significantly in legal departments
This uneven adoption pattern suggests that white-collar workers in different functions will experience AI disruption at varying rates and intensities. Related analysis of education sector transparency reveals similar departmental disparities in technological adoption.
Balancing AI Advancement with Workforce Responsibility
The majority of executives (72%) agree that future success requires balancing AI’s power with its impact on the workforce, while 64% believe companies are obligated to use AI to serve all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This ethical perspective is shaping how organizations approach artificial intelligence implementation, with many prioritizing transparent communication and inclusive transformation strategies. As corporate leadership evolves to address these challenges, the role of the chief executive officer becomes increasingly crucial in steering responsible AI adoption.
The Future of Work in an AI-Driven Economy
As companies navigate the transition to AI-enhanced operations, the focus is shifting from job elimination to job transformation. The executive consensus suggests that while certain roles will evolve or become automated, new opportunities will emerge in AI management, oversight, and collaboration. Industry experts note that companies investing in comprehensive reskilling and cultural adaptation are positioning themselves for sustainable success in the evolving artificial intelligence landscape. Additional insights from technological breakthrough analysis suggest that parallel innovations in other sectors may create complementary job opportunities.
The evolving perspective among business leaders reflects a maturation in how organizations approach technological transformation. Rather than viewing AI as primarily a cost-cutting tool, executives increasingly recognize its potential to enhance human capabilities and create new value—provided companies invest adequately in workforce transition and cultural adaptation. As visionaries like Jensen Huang have suggested, the future likely holds more collaborative than disruptive outcomes for most workers.
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