Refusing AI at work: risk of dismissal triples — new data from a large-scale survey
The labor market in the technology sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and new data clearly demonstrates how critical proficiency in artificial intelligence tools has become for job retention. Specialists who use AI less than once a month face a risk of layoff three times higher than their colleagues who actively integrate these technologies into their daily routines.
These findings are based on a large-scale survey that revealed a deep divide within the most vulnerable segment of the labor market. Employees who have already lost their jobs used AI significantly less often: 62% of them either never used it at all or did so no more than once a year. In comparison, among those who retained their positions, this figure stands at 50%. Meanwhile, 28% of employed specialists regularly use AI, whereas among the laid-off, only 22% do so.
The statistical significance of this pattern holds even after adjusting for factors such as age, education, industry, and time since layoff. This indicates that AI serves not merely as a trendy tool but as a marker of adaptability and readiness for change in an employee.
"Employees who did not use AI proved to be more vulnerable in the labor market," the researchers conclude. And this statement sounds like a stark warning for everyone who still ignores the technology.
Tech Sector Under Pressure: Where Risks Are Highest
Within the technology industry itself, where layoff rates are already above average (13% of respondents reported cuts in early 2025), avoiding AI becomes fatal. The risk of job loss for those who use AI less than once a month is three times higher than for active users. In other sectors of the economy, this correlation is also observed but is less pronounced.
Notably, only 1% of respondents directly attribute their layoff to the adoption of AI. This suggests that the technology acts not as a direct cause of cuts but rather as a catalyst, widening the gap between those who evolve and those who remain in the past.
Expert Commentary: The cryptocurrency and blockchain market is no exception. In this field, where the pace of change is extreme, AI skills are becoming not just an advantage but a basic survival requirement. Those who ignore this trend risk being left behind faster than they can realize its significance. The coming quarters will show who is truly ready for the new reality.