Workforce Impact (from employee side) Weekly AI News
July 7 - July 15, 2025New reports this week show artificial intelligence is rapidly changing jobs across many industries.
Tech companies announced ongoing layoffs linked to AI tools. A study found 507 tech workers lose jobs daily to AI in 2025, with companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Meta cutting roles in software engineering, human resources, and customer support. These companies say AI can now handle coding tasks (like Microsoft's Copilot), HR paperwork (IBM's AskHR), and customer questions faster than humans.
Workers expressed worries about being replaced. A Stanford University study revealed most employees want AI to handle repetitive tasks so they can focus on more interesting work. However, workers also want to keep control over decisions made by AI, with many feeling current AI tools don't yet match their needs. The study also predicted that jobs needing people skills (like teamwork and understanding emotions) will become more valuable than jobs focused on data analysis.
In other news, the president of Stevens Institute discussed AI's job market impacts during a CBS News interview, highlighting how schools and businesses are adjusting to these changes.
Companies explained three ways AI affects jobs: 1) Directly replacing repetitive work, 2) Shifting budgets from traditional teams to AI projects, and 3) Helping workers do more tasks faster. IBM confirmed it won't rehire thousands of HR positions, while Microsoft noted 40% of its recent job cuts affected developers.
The Stanford researchers warned that current AI tools don't match worker expectations, creating tension. Workers want AI assistants, not replacements, but technology isn't meeting that hope yet.
Looking ahead, experts predict jobs requiring human connection (like teaching or healthcare) will grow in importance, while roles focused solely on information analysis may decline. Workers anxious about AI were advised to focus on learning skills that complement AI, such as creative problem-solving and emotional intelligence.