Breaking Job News: AI Layoffs Loom as Workers Cling to Stability

Disruption may be cooling globally, but in the U.S., it’s accelerating, and AI is at the center of it. In today’s video, host Pete Newsome breaks down new data showing why most executives are optimistic about AI’s productivity gains while still expecting AI-driven layoffs in the years ahead. That tension is reshaping how companies think about headcount, output, and career paths right now.

Pete also unpacks fresh ZipRecruiter data on new hires that explains why job searches are moving faster. More candidates are landing roles in weeks, employers are responding quicker, and application volume per job is falling. At the same time, many workers report limited hands-on AI use, even as companies invest heavily behind the scenes. He explores why AI adoption feels uneven and how much of it is already built into everyday tools without being labeled as “AI.”

Finally, Pete looks at job seeker sentiment data that highlights longer hours and mounting pressure, without tipping into panic. The market isn’t booming, but it isn’t breaking either. His takeaway is practical: use this moment to build AI fluency, tie your work to measurable outcomes, and stay flexible as roles continue to evolve.

So here’s the question: Are you seeing real AI productivity gains at work or mostly big promises with little change so far?

Time Stamps:
0:08: AlixPartners' 2026 Disruption Index
2:43: ZipRecruiter's New Hires Survey
5:00: Job Seekers Say Finding Work Will Be Harder in 2026
6:29: Fun Fact of the Day

Articles:
1. AlixPartners Disruption Index 2026: https://www.alixpartners.com/disrupti...
2. ZipRecruiter Survey of New Hires: https://www.ziprecruiter-research.org...
3. Express Employment Professionals/Harris Poll: https://www.expresspros.com/newsroom/...

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