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1 in 5 Workers See No AI Impact on Their Jobs

1 in 5 workers see no AI effect on jobs, despite rapid AI integration in hiring. 47% fear AI benefits companies more. Job postings requiring AI skills rose by 1,587%. 65% feel the need to upskill; 52% seek ways to enhance skills. Traditional career paths are viewed as outdated; only 41% want them. 40% work second jobs due to costs, with work-life balance prioritized over pay. Trust in leadership decreased from 77% to 72%, notably among Gen Z. Manager-employee relationships improved, while soft skills are learned from older workers and tech skills from younger ones.

https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/1-in-5-workers-see-no-ai-impact-on-their-jobs

AI Literacy Training: From Best Practice to Legal Requirement Under the New EU AI Act

EU AI Act mandates AI literacy training, evolving from best practice to legal obligation. Effective Feb 2026, compliance is essential for all organizations deploying AI affecting people in the EU. Training must cover AI fundamentals, legal requirements, and practical applications while addressing ethics. Ongoing, structured education is crucial for maintaining compliance and adapting to evolving regulations globally.

https://blog.knowbe4.com/ai-literacy-training-from-best-practice-to-legal-requirement-under-the-new-eu-ai-act

Invest in the Workforce for the AI Age: a Blueprint for Scale, Skills and Responsible Growth

Investing in workforce skills is crucial in the AI era for maximizing value creation. Successful transformation requires alignment of workforce, operating models, and governance to drive business outcomes. A new social contract for learning is essential, where organizations offer clear skills pathways and support continuous learning. Roles must evolve, emphasizing human judgment over repetitive tasks. Companies should adopt disciplined AI missions, focus on collaborative ecosystems, and ensure responsible AI deployment to foster trust and inclusivity. Leaders must integrate strategy with skills development to achieve sustainable growth and productivity.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/ai-roadmap-transforming/

Young Workers Most Worried About AI Affecting Jobs, Randstad Survey Shows

Young workers fear AI’s job impact, per Randstad survey. 80% believe AI will affect work, especially Gen Z. Job postings needing “AI skills” rose 1,587%. Nearly half of workers worry AI benefits companies over employees. 95% of employers expect growth, only 51% of workers share this optimism.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/young-workers-most-worried-about-ai-affecting-jobs-randstad-survey-shows-2026-01-19/

Citi Has Quietly Built a 4,000-person Internal AI Workforce

Citi has launched an AI Champions and Accelerators program, recruiting 4,000 volunteers to help colleagues understand and utilize AI tools. The initiative emphasizes a peer-to-peer approach to enhance AI adoption across the bank, with participants dedicating 3-5 hours weekly. The program, which began in 2024, supports ongoing training and feedback on AI tools, fostering engagement and collaboration within the workforce. CEO Jane Fraser encourages a confident, AI-savvy workforce to shape future operations and productivity.

https://www.businessinsider.com/citi-bank-ai-accelerators-volunteers-2025-12

AI Is Becoming Your New Work Colleague. But Let’s Not Forget Your Human Ones

AI is becoming integral to workplaces, enhancing productivity and collaboration. However, concerns arise over diminished human connection and perceived productivity. Companies must balance AI integration with human engagement, prioritizing ethical use and continuous learning. Emphasizing connection opportunities and redefining performance recognition is essential for fostering a harmonious human-AI work environment. Keeping people at the center is crucial to ensure a future where AI empowers rather than isolates workers.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/ai-agentic-workplace-human-resources/

AI Is Turning Side Hustles Into Second Careers — And Exposing a Policy Vacuum At Work

AI enables employees to pursue side hustles, transforming them into second careers while still working full-time. This trend challenges traditional job loyalty and requires companies to rethink engagement policies as more workers seek autonomy and diverse income streams. Organizations must adapt to this reality to avoid alienating talent and recognize the potential benefits of side hustles, which can enhance skills and innovation.

https://allwork.space/2026/01/ai-is-turning-side-hustles-into-second-careers-and-exposing-a-policy-vacuum-at-work/

Redefining Talent Through human-AI Integration

The rise of AI and automation threatens traditional entry-level roles, which are crucial for developing leadership skills. Organizations must intentionally redesign early-career work to preserve and accelerate human capability development, integrating AI literacy with leadership fundamentals and creating opportunities for critical thinking and co-responsibility in AI system improvement.

https://www.ey.com/en_gl/megatrends/why-shared-intelligence-will-redefine-talent

Human Behaviour and Workforce Adoption Will Determine the Value From AI

AI’s value hinges on human adoption and workforce readiness, not just technology. Organizations must shift to skills-based structures and continuous learning to boost productivity. Demographic challenges necessitate tech adoption, especially AI, to sustain economic growth. Work organization is evolving to focus on skills and flexibility, driven by automation and employee expectations for adaptability. Despite increased AI use, workforce confidence remains low, indicating that organizational readiness is key for maximizing outcomes. Continuous retooling and learning are critical in a volatile landscape. Ultimately, the synergy between human capabilities and AI defines future success.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/human-behaviour-workforce-adoption-value-derived-from-ai/

Culture Dissonance and AI Among Top Workplace Challenges in 2026

In 2026, organizations face major challenges like culture dissonance, as companies expect more from employees without equivalent returns, and negative effects from AI adoption. CHROs must prioritize human interactions in recruitment and address mental health issues linked to AI use, while combatting low-quality work production, referred to as “workslop.”

https://www.hrdive.com/news/culture-dissonance-negative-ai-effects-workplace/809768/

Behind the Curtain: The Job Replacement AI Machine

AI poses potential future disruptions to white-collar jobs, with studies suggesting automation could affect 25% of U.S. work hours. Developments include AI creating tools for workplace tasks, decreased interest in H-1B visas due to anticipated AI capabilities, and increased hiring of contractors to train AI. Elon Musk claims AI could soon replace many office roles. The job market remains stable, but CEOs hint at reducing staff. There’s political silence on AI’s job impact, with contrasting views on whether AI will create or eliminate jobs.

https://www.axios.com/2026/01/15/ai-job-replacement-white-collar

The AI-Ready CPO: Leading Transformation With Trust, Empathy, and Agility

AI transforming HR, CPOs orchestrate human-digital workforce; focus on trust, empathy, and agility. Key imperatives: digital integration, workforce evolution, cultural change, and ethical governance. Challenges include data privacy, transparency, and change management. Emphasize human value alongside efficiency.

https://www.egonzehnder.com/functions/human-resources/insights/the-ai-ready-chief-people-officer-leading-transformation-with-trust-empathy-and-agility

McKinsey Starts Testing Job Candidates With AI Assistant

McKinsey is testing a new hiring method where candidates use the firm’s AI assistant, Lilli, during interviews. This pilot program evaluates candidates on their ability to engage with the AI while analyzing cases, aiming to reflect future consulting practices. If successful, this approach may standardize AI use in recruitment.

https://www.cio.com/article/4117688/mckinsey-begins-testing-candidates-with-an-ai-assistant.html

AI at Work: Insights From 20 Leading Technology Companies

AI is transforming work, learning, and growth. Companies are adopting AI beyond pilot projects, embedding it into daily operations. A report from the World Economic Forum highlights progress and challenges in over 20 tech firms, noting that AI increases productivity but disrupts mid-level jobs more than entry-level roles. AI enhances efficiency and cultural engagement, but trust and governance are critical for scaling it. Upcoming initiatives aim to create equitable access to AI tools, improve skills, and provide job pathways. Collaborative action across sectors is essential for a prosperous and inclusive AI-driven future.

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/ai-at-work-insights/

Cisco’s Journey in AI Workforce Transformation

Cisco invests in AI tools to enhance employee engagement, retention, and productivity. Key findings show AI boosts engagement and performance, promotes faster career growth, and is adopted more effectively with leadership support. Employees learn AI primarily through practical experience. Cisco’s culture encourages optimism about AI, making it integral to work processes and employee development. Overall, AI is transforming Cisco’s workforce positively.

https://blogs.cisco.com/news/ciscos-journey-in-ai-workforce-transformation

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