AI Layoffs: Who's Really Calling the Shots?

The reality of AI transforming the workforce is no longer a distant future scenario. Companies like ClickUp have already cut 22% of their workforce in favor of AI agents. By 2026, tech layoffs seem on track to match or even surpass those of 2025. But here's the catch. The very people deciding that AI can replace us often don't understand the nitty-gritty of what our jobs entail.

The Disconnect

Aaron Levie, Box founder, describes this as 'AI psychosis.' It's a condition where decision-makers operate with a blind faith in AI's capabilities, without truly grasping the complexities of human roles. This isn't simply about replacing humans with machines, it's about an ignorance of what those humans actually do. How can they make informed decisions when they don't even know the tasks involved?

Implications for the Workforce

Now, let's be clear. The intersection of AI and industry is real, but ninety percent of the projects aren't. Many companies are eager to slap a model on a GPU rental and call it innovation. But what happens when things don't go as planned? A misplaced reliance on AI could lead to inefficiencies that outweigh any cost savings from layoffs.

If the AI can hold a wallet, who writes the risk model? The people making these decisions often overlook critical factors like job-specific skills and nuanced client interactions, which AI can't replicate yet. It raises the question: Are we heading toward a future where technology diminishes, rather than enhances, our capabilities?

The Bottom Line

Bold claims of AI efficiency won't cut it unless they come backed with verifiable outcomes. Decision-makers need to benchmark the capabilities and limitations of AI before making sweeping changes. The conversation around AI needs a reset, focusing on collaboration rather than replacement. In a world rushing toward automation, let's not forget the value of human expertise.