GoKawiilNBER Survey: Over 90% of Executives Say AI Hasn't Boosted Employment or Productivity
A National Bureau of Economic Research survey found that more than 90 percent of executives reported no impact from AI on their firm's employment over the past three years, and 89 percent saw no gains in labor productivity. Despite this, companies are continuing to cut jobs while citing AI as justification, according to University of Pittsburgh professor Mark Ma.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This data undercuts the core business case for massive AI spending, suggesting layoffs tied to AI adoption may be premature or misleading. Ma's analysis warns that such cuts erode employee trust and morale, which are key drivers of productivity gains from AI, potentially creating a self-defeating cycle. Stock market reactions to these layoff announcements have also been essentially flat, indicating investors aren't rewarding the strategy either.
- Over 90% of surveyed executives report no employment impact from AI in three years.
- 89% say AI has not improved labor productivity at their firms.
- Layoffs justified by AI adoption showed near-zero stock market benefit, per Mark Ma's analysis.
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See Cal Newport "Deep Work" (book) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: futurism.com — Victor Tangermann, 2026-08-25
Published there as: “90 Percent of Execs Say Oops, AI Didn’t Help Productivity, So Layoffs Will Continue”
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