While artificial intelligence (AI) has been linked to widespread layoffs this year, a recent global survey suggests that the technology may also catalyze a resurgence in entry-level hiring by 2026. Conducted by advisory firm Teneo, the annual outlook survey revealed that **67%** of public-company CEOs anticipate an increase in entry-level positions driven by AI, with **58%** also planning to expand senior leadership roles.
The report highlights a growing emphasis on hiring for engineering and AI-related roles as companies adapt to automation by reconfiguring existing job descriptions and responsibilities. The survey, which took place from October 14 to November 10, included responses from over **350 global CEOs** leading public companies with at least **$1 billion** in annual revenue and nearly **400 institutional investors** managing **$19 trillion** in assets.
These findings challenge the dominant narrative that AI is primarily responsible for the elimination of entire jobs. “It’s not that AI is wiping out the workforce today — it’s reshaping it,” said Ryan Cox, Teneo’s global head of AI.
This anticipated hiring momentum aligns with an increasing trend in corporate investment in AI; **68%** of CEOs indicated plans to boost AI spending in 2026, rising from **66%** in the previous year. Furthermore, nearly **90%** of CEOs believe that AI is already assisting their organizations in managing disruptions.
However, these expectations regarding the speed of return on investments in AI vary significantly between CEOs and investors. While more than half of the surveyed investors expect AI initiatives to yield results in under six months, only **16%** of leaders from large-cap companies—those with annual revenues of **$10 billion** or more—consider such rapid returns feasible.
The fear of job losses due to AI has intensified as companies like **HP** and **IBM** announce layoffs. HP’s November earnings report disclosed plans to cut between **4,000** and **6,000 jobs** by 2028 to save about **$1 billion**. Similarly, IBM announced a reduction of its workforce by a “single-digit percentage” in the fourth quarter of 2026. However, the narrative is more nuanced than merely replacing human workers with machines.
IBM CEO **Arvind Krishna** stated in an October interview that the company is simultaneously redirecting its workforce toward AI and quantum computing, with plans to increase hiring of recent college graduates in the coming year. According to Krishna, the adoption of AI has significantly increased the demand for programmers and sales personnel.
The emergence of new job categories underscores how AI is transforming the labor market. Titles such as “decision designer” and “AI experience officer” are gaining traction, focusing on guiding AI systems and enhancing human-AI collaboration, as noted in a recent report by **Business Insider**.
As companies continue to adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by AI, the balance between job displacement and new opportunities remains a critical focal point. The overall corporate landscape is likely to undergo significant changes, driven by both technological advancements and strategic hiring practices, paving the way for new roles that blend human and artificial intelligence capabilities.
See also
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