Adapted from Forbes Research, October 14, 2025 Forbes
In a sweeping new Forbes Research 2025 AI Survey, more than 1,000 C-suite executives across sectors were asked to weigh in on a pressing question: Will artificial intelligence destroy jobs — or create new ones? The findings show a generally cautious optimism among top leaders about AI’s impact on the workforce.
A Moderated View on Job Loss
A dominant takeaway is that most executives don’t foresee mass job eliminations in the near term. In fact, 94 % of respondents believe that fewer than 5 % of current roles will disappear over the next two years due to AI integration. Forbes
This outlook challenges the more alarmist view that AI is set to displace swathes of employees imminently. Rather, for many of these executives, the transition will be incremental and manageable.
Growing Confidence in AI’s Constructive Role
Beyond limiting job losses, a striking proportion of executives—59 %—say they expect AI to generate net new job opportunities, not just eliminate roles. Forbes
This is a clear shift from the prior year: in 2024, only a third of executives held this more positive view. The jump suggests greater confidence in AI as a transformative, rather than purely disruptive, force.
Addressing Employee Concerns: From Fear to Partnership
One of the biggest hurdles to AI adoption is employee anxiety—especially fears about job security. Many executives named “fear of job loss” as a top barrier to successful AI rollout. Forbes
To counter that, 68 % of organisations are actively reframing their internal narrative around AI. Instead of positioning AI as a replacement, they emphasize a collaborative future of human + machine. Forbes
As one executive put it, “helping employees trust and adapt to new tools without fearing replacement” is essential for meaningful adoption. Forbes
The sentiment is echoed in public statements from tech and retail leaders, who often stress that AI should augment human capabilities, not displace them.
Workforce Realignment and Internal Mobility
Executives aren’t just talking—some are already reshuffling roles. Survey results show that 44 % of CHROs (Chief Human Resources Officers) have reassigned employees from non-AI roles into domains that overlap with AI or data work. Forbes
Simultaneously, many organizations are scaling training, mentorship, and career development programs to help existing staff transition and grow in the AI-augmented environment. Forbes
The goal is clear: rather than shedding people, these companies aim to reskill and redeploy talent.
Uneven Adoption Across Business Functions
Where AI is applied varies substantially. 69 % of executives report using AI in IT infrastructure, technical operations, and core systems. Forbes
But further down the org chart, adoption is much sparser:
- Only 3 % say AI is used in HR operations
- Just 2 % note AI use in legal functions
This disparity suggests that AI’s initial foothold remains in the more technical, data-intensive parts of the business. Forbes
Executives acknowledge this is natural—and that scaling AI beyond early adopters will require intentional strategy, governance, and change management.
Key Takeaways & Forward View
From the survey, a few overarching themes emerge:
- Measured optimism over alarmism
The prevailing view is one of cautious balance: AI is transformative, not apocalyptic. - Narrative matters
Over two-thirds of companies are actively recasting AI as a tool for human augmentation, not replacement. - Talent is being redeployed, not eliminated
Talent strategies emphasize reskilling over layoffs. - Adoption is uneven but expanding
AI’s early strongholds are in technical functions, but organizations aim to broaden use cases. - Transition is evolutionary, not revolutionary
The timeline is gradual; few expect immediate, sweeping job cuts.
Overall, the Forbes Research 2025 AI Survey suggests that many C-suite leaders see AI as a partner for progress—not a threat to their people.