AI affecting jobs has emerged as a top concern for workers, especially Gen Z, after Randstad released its annual Workmonitor survey on January 20, 2026. The global study covers 35 markets and matters now as companies expand automation during a period of job cuts and economic strain.
What changed in workplace AI use
Randstad reported that four out of five workers expect artificial intelligence to influence their daily tasks. The findings come from surveys of 27,000 workers and 1,225 employers, alongside analysis of over 3 million job postings worldwide.
At the same time, demand for specialised skills is shifting. Job vacancies asking for “AI agent” capabilities rose by 1,587%, according to the report. This points to a fast change in how companies structure roles and recruit talent.
Impact on workers and hiring trends
AI affecting jobs is reshaping entry-level and routine roles. Randstad said automation is increasingly linked to low-complexity and transactional work. As a result, younger workers report higher anxiety about job security and career paths.
Gen Z stands out as the most concerned age group in the survey. In contrast, Baby Boomers show more confidence in adapting to new systems and tools. This gap highlights uneven readiness across generations.
How companies and employees view the shift
There is also a divide in expectations. Nearly half of workers believe artificial intelligence will benefit employers more than employees. Meanwhile, confidence inside boardrooms remains high. Around 95% of employers surveyed expect business growth this year, while only 51% of workers agree.
Randstad CEO Sander van ’t Noordende said employees often welcome new tools but remain cautious. He told Reuters that workers see AI as a way for companies to reduce costs and raise efficiency.
Why AI affecting jobs matters now
Labour markets face pressure as global firms cut staff amid weaker consumer demand. Trade tensions linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies have added uncertainty. At the same time, companies continue to invest heavily in AI systems, even as clear financial returns remain limited.
Randstad’s report places AI affecting jobs at the centre of current workforce debates. The data outlines how adoption is advancing across sectors, while worker confidence lags behind employer optimism.
