Rejecting AI in IT: Risk of dismissal triples — shocking data from a new study
The labor market in the technology sector is undergoing a tectonic shift. According to a fresh large-scale survey, specialists who ignore artificial intelligence tools or use them less than once a month face a risk of layoff three times higher than their colleagues who actively integrate AI into their daily work. This is not just a trend—it is a new reality where AI proficiency becomes not an advantage, but a basic requirement for survival.
Numbers That Make You Think
The data reveals a frightening gap within an already unstable industry. 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%. Meanwhile, 28% of employed specialists actively and frequently use AI, whereas among those who lost their jobs, only 22% do so. This pattern persists even after adjusting for age, education, and experience—meaning it is not about the employee's profile, but their technological adaptability.
This trend is particularly acute in the technology sector, where the share of laid-off workers is 13% of total employment, while in other industries this figure is half as much—around 6%. Within the IT sector itself, the risk for AI "refuseniks" increases threefold compared to active users.
Why Is This Happening?
Employers rarely directly link layoffs to AI adoption—only 1% of respondents cited it as the main reason for dismissals. However, 21% of employees have already reported layoffs in early 2026. In my view, AI acts not so much as a cause, but as a marker: companies assess staff readiness for change. Those who do not integrate AI into their work processes automatically fall into the risk group, as they are perceived as less adaptive and productive.
The coming quarters will show how harsh this selection will be. But it is already clear: ignoring artificial intelligence is not a principled stance, but a direct path to losing one's job. In the era of digital transformation, learning new skills is the only way to stay afloat.