Observed Signal · May 13, 2026 · Report Release · Source: t3n · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Survey: Execs Say AI Lowers Value of Human Employees
A Globalization Partners (G-P) survey of 2,850 executives across six major markets (including the US, France and Germany) finds that 82% believe AI has reduced the value they ascribe to human employees. The AI-at-Work Report 2026 also reports underwhelming ROI: 73% said some recent AI investments fell short of expectations, and nearly 70% of executives are prepared to cut AI budgets in 2026 if targets are not met. Leaders worry about misleading productivity signals—88% fear employees use AI to pretend productivity, and 47% are very or extremely concerned this is already happening. Additionally, 69% say staff spend more time monitoring, evaluating or reworking AI outputs, which may negate promised efficiency gains. G-P’s Pete A. Tiliakos emphasizes the need for expertise, governance and operational discipline to translate AI into business outcomes.
Survey indicates widespread disappointment with AI ROI and potential AI budget cuts, signaling demand risk for AI/MarTech vendors and slower enterprise adoption without stronger governance.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- 82% of surveyed executives say AI has lowered the value they assign to human employees.
- AI-at-Work-Report 2026 by G-P surveyed 2,850 executives across six markets including the USA, France and Germany.
- 73% of respondents said some of their AI investments in the past 12 months did not meet expectations; nearly 70% would cut AI budgets in 2026 if goals are unmet.
- 88% of executives fear employees use AI to fake productivity; 47% are very or extremely concerned it is already happening.
- 69% report employees now spend more time overseeing, evaluating or reworking AI outputs, reducing expected efficiency gains.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
AI Productivity Paradox: Leaders Doubt ROI, May Cut Budgets
A G‑P (Globalization Partners) AI-at-Work-Report 2026 survey of 2,850 executives across six markets (including the USA, France and Germany) finds rising scepticism about enterprise AI's productivity benefits. 82% of surveyed leaders say AI has reduced the value they place on human employees. Many respondents report no measurable productivity or employment impact from AI in recent years, and a large share fear employees may use AI to feign productivity. Nearly 70% say they are willing to cut AI budgets if 2026 goals are not met. The report also notes increased employee time spent supervising, evaluating or reworking AI outputs, which may erase expected efficiency gains.
Survey: 99% of CEOs Plan AI-Driven Job Cuts
A Mercer report based on a US survey of nearly 1,000 CEOs (part of the Global Talent Trends 2026 dataset of ~12,000 respondents) finds that 99% of CEOs expect to replace employees with AI tools within the next two years. Most (67%) anticipate workforce reductions of 1–10%, while 32% expect cuts of 11–20%. CEOs estimate that currently about 50% of work is done without AI and expect that to fall to 35% after AI adoption. Employee concerns have risen (40% fear job loss vs. 28% in 2024), and 62% of employees believe managers underestimate the emotional and psychological impacts of AI-driven change; only 19% of HR professionals consider monitoring those impacts important.
Tech workforce splits over AI in 2026
Noam Segal and collaborators’ second annual 2026 Tech Worker Sentiment Survey reached 5,920 tech professionals (analyses based on 5,332 currently employed). The report finds the workforce roughly split over AI — about half feel “Amplified” and thriving while the other half feel destabilized — and defines four archetypes (Energized, Conflicted, Disoriented, Resentful). Burnout climbed an 11-point year-over-year increase and career optimism declined; 82% say AI makes them more productive, yet many report lower work quality and fears of being expected to do more for the same pay. 41.2% are at least moderately worried about layoffs, though only 22% attribute direct job loss to AI. Designers and researchers report the most anxiety; founders and small-company employees are relatively more optimistic. The report highlights managers as the single biggest lever for wellbeing and offers practical guidance for leaders and workers.
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