Investors predict artificial intelligence will significantly impact the enterprise workforce by 2026, according to a recent TechCrunch survey. The prediction comes amid rising concerns about AI's potential effects on workers, fueled by advancements in automation and efficiency-promising AI products.

The survey, which did not specifically ask about AI's impact on labor, revealed that multiple enterprise venture capitalists anticipate a substantial shift in the workforce within the next two years. Eric Bahn, co-founder and general partner at Hustle Fund, said he expects to see effects on labor in 2026, though the exact nature of those effects remains uncertain. "I want to see what roles that have been known for more repetition get automated, or even more complicated roles with more logic become more automated," Bahn said. He questioned whether this would lead to layoffs, increased productivity, or simply augment existing roles.

Evidence suggests that concerns about job displacement are warranted. A November MIT study estimated that 11.7% of jobs could already be automated using AI. Surveys have also indicated that employers are eliminating entry-level positions due to the technology, and some companies have cited AI as a reason for layoffs.

As enterprises increasingly adopt AI, they may re-evaluate their staffing needs. This could lead to a restructuring of roles and responsibilities, with some tasks being automated and others requiring new skills. The impact of AI on the workforce will likely vary across industries and job functions, with some roles being more susceptible to automation than others. The rise of generative AI, which uses algorithms to create new content, has further intensified concerns about the future of work. These AI models can automate tasks previously thought to require human creativity, such as writing, design, and coding.