CEOs eye AI adoption as primary 2026 goal with job cuts expected to continue

Group 1 - A recent SHRM survey indicates that 75% of CEOs expect further workforce reductions or layoffs in the broader economy next year due to economic and technological uncertainties [1] - Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is identified as the primary objective for 2026, surpassing goals like growing revenue and attracting top talent [2] - Economic factors such as inflation and tariffs, along with AI adoption, are influencing organizations' decisions to conduct layoffs or slow hiring [3] Group 2 - Job cuts in October were reported to be up 175% year over year, reaching the highest single-month totals since 2008 [4] - 81% of CEOs anticipate rising labor and workforce costs next year, while 74% expect restructuring efforts, often involving hiring independent contractors and gig workers [5] - 27% of CEOs prioritize attracting top talent over the next twelve months, despite challenges in finding skilled talent for in-demand roles [6]