Investors predict artificial intelligence will significantly impact the enterprise workforce by 2026, according to a recent TechCrunch survey. This projection comes amid growing concerns about AI's potential to automate jobs and increase efficiency, leading to workforce reductions.

The survey, which did not specifically ask about AI's impact on labor, revealed that multiple enterprise venture capitalists anticipate substantial changes in the enterprise job market 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 stated. He questioned whether this would lead to layoffs, higher productivity, or simply augment existing roles.

Concerns about AI's impact on employment have been escalating alongside advancements in AI technology. A November MIT study estimated that 11.7% of jobs could already be automated using existing AI technologies. Furthermore, surveys indicate that employers are already eliminating entry-level positions due to AI, and some companies have cited AI as a reason for layoffs.

As enterprises increasingly adopt AI solutions, they may reassess their staffing needs. This could lead to a restructuring of the workforce, with some roles becoming obsolete while others are augmented or newly created. The shift raises questions about the future of work and the need for workforce retraining and adaptation. The specific types of AI tools driving these changes include robotic process automation (RPA) software, which automates repetitive tasks, and machine learning algorithms that can handle more complex, logic-based functions. Companies are also leveraging AI-powered analytics platforms to optimize operations and identify areas for automation.