99% of CEOs Expect AI-Driven Layoffs Within Two Years — Mercer Global Talent Trends Report

r/singularity / Gizmodo·high signal

Mercer's Global Talent Trends report finds 99% of CEOs expect AI-driven layoffs in the next two years, while only 32% believe humans and machines can optimally work together. Employee thriving dropped from 66% in 2024 to 44% in 2026. Entry-level workers face the heaviest impact as AI absorbs simpler tasks, with researchers coining 'AI replacement dysfunction' (AIRD) to describe the resulting workforce anxiety.