Mercer Study: 99% of CEOs Expect AI-Driven Layoffs Within Two Years, Junior Roles Most at Risk
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Lacy J
Summary
A new Mercer study of 825 C-suite leaders reveals that 99% of CEOs expect AI to cause headcount reductions within two years. With over 97,000 job cuts announced in May 2026 alone (the highest since 2020) and roughly 40% of employers citing AI as the primary reason, entry-level workers face the sharpest risk. The article reports that the share of CEOs planning to reduce junior roles jumped from 17% in 2025 to 43% in 2026, with major companies like Meta, Pinterest, Dow, and Amazon pointing to AI when announcing layoffs. The piece offers advice on how workers can prepare for potential AI-driven job displacement.
Source
bskyMercer Study: 99% of CEOs Expect AI-Driven Layoffs Within Two Years, Junior Roles Most at Riskballeralert.comKey quotes
· 3 pulled99% of CEOs expect AI to lead to at least some headcount reduction in the next two years.
The share of CEOs planning to reduce junior roles jumped from 17% in 2025 to 43% this year.
Employers announced just over 97,000 job cuts in May 2026 alone, the highest monthly total since 2020, with roughly 40% of employers citing AI as the primary reason.
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