Ignoring AI costs three times as much: the risk of dismissal sharply increases for those who do not use the technology.
The labor market in the technology sector is undergoing a tectonic shift. According to data from a large-scale survey conducted among professionals, those who use artificial intelligence less than once a month face a risk of layoffs three times higher than their colleagues who use AI at least monthly. This is not just a statistic—it is a clear signal that adapting to new technologies is becoming a critical factor for survival in the profession.
Numbers that speak for themselves
The study revealed a stark contrast: among laid-off employees, 62% admitted that they either did not use AI at all or turned to it no more than once a year. For comparison, among those who retained their jobs, this figure stands at 50%. Moreover, 28% of employed professionals actively and frequently use AI in their daily routines, while among those who lost their jobs, only 22% do so. This pattern persists even after adjusting for age, education, industry, and tenure, confirming its fundamental nature.
Tech sector under pressure: why AI is not a cause but a marker
It is important to understand that AI is rarely cited as a direct cause of layoffs—only 1% of respondents named it as the main factor in reductions, although 21% of workers reported downsizing in early 2026. However, within the technology industry itself, where layoff rates are already higher (13% versus 6% on average across the market), refusing to use AI becomes fatal. Employees who have not integrated AI into their workflows face a double blow: high competition in the sector is compounded by an inability to demonstrate readiness for change.
"Those who ignore AI become the most vulnerable in the labor market. Within the tech sector, where cuts are more active, this gap is especially noticeable. In other industries, the link between AI use and a reduced likelihood of layoffs is also evident, but it is critical in the high-tech environment," the study results note.
My perspective: AI as an indicator of professional flexibility
From an analyst's point of view, this data confirms a long-standing thesis: in the era of digital transformation, the skill of working with AI is becoming not just an advantage but a basic requirement. Companies are increasingly evaluating not so much current productivity as an employee's ability to adapt to new tools. Ignoring AI is not just a missed opportunity but a direct path to losing competitiveness. The coming quarters will show whether those who reject technology can reconsider their strategy, or whether the market will leave them behind.