Since 2023, tech companies have cut nearly 500,000 jobs—over 63,000 this year alone—driven in part by heavy investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Despite fears AI could further reduce employment, a new Deloitte survey of tech-focused C-suite executives reveals a more optimistic outlook: most leaders believe AI will increase work for both technical and non-technical employees.
Key findings from the survey include:
-
Increased Hiring: Nearly 70% of tech executives expect to grow headcount to manage and oversee AI tools as usage spreads.
-
Skill Development: Companies plan to invest in training programs and global capability centers to upskill employees in AI-related roles.
-
Short-Term Challenges: There’s currently a shortage of skilled AI workers, and executives see a need for employees to regularly use AI to build expertise.
-
Strategic Priorities: Over the next two years, AI will be used to improve cybersecurity, cloud operations, and data science, while also helping businesses cut costs, reach new markets, and attract more customers.
Executives stressed that human skills—like empathy, curiosity, and problem-solving—remain essential, and AI cannot replace them. To succeed, workers must pair technical proficiency with these soft skills.
The report also highlights a changing C-suite, with many companies now employing multiple senior executives focused on tech. Collaboration among these leaders is crucial to aligning AI strategies with broader business goals and effectively engaging employees at all levels.
Ultimately, Deloitte’s analysis sees businesses shifting from experimenting with AI to using it as a transformative engine, requiring leadership, integration, and a reimagining of talent and operations.