AI at work
AI in hiring, HR and everyday work: the tools, the rules and the effect on jobs.
48 briefs
Yesterday · Sunday 25 October
- Global·News
Nearly 196,000 Tech Employees Laid Off Globally in 2026
Global tech layoffs reached nearly 196,000 in 2026, peaking at 29,000 in May. Intel cut 15,000 jobs (15% of workforce) as part of $10 billion cost reduction; Cisco shed over 4,000 (5%); Oracle reduced headcount by 21,000 due to AI infrastructure expansion costs.
- United States·Research
Goldman Sachs Flags 10,000-Job AI-Related Hiring Gap
Goldman Sachs economist Joseph Briggs reported October 22, 2026, that labor market data shows AI-related hiring slowdown, with AI-sensitive industries running 10,000 fewer jobs below long-term trend in three months. AI transformation could displace up to 9% of workers.
- Europe·M&A
Ardian-backed HR Path Acquires AI Governance and Compliance Startup SnapAI
Ardian-backed HR Path announced acquisition of AI governance and compliance startup SnapAI. Transaction value was not disclosed.
- China·News
Guangdong launches AI agent application specialist professional training program
Guangdong launched an「AI agent application specialist」professional training program open to qualifying residents. No programming background required; positions pay ¥20,000+ monthly. The initiative aims to develop specialized AI talent.
Saturday 24 October
- China·Research
Over a quarter of programmers have transitioned, AI and chips become new high-salary trend
Over one-quarter of programmers have transitioned careers, with AI and chip sectors becoming high-salary employment trends in technology talent market flows.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Survey: 77% of Korean Game Companies Use Generative AI, Recruitment Prioritizes AI Skills
Survey shows 77% of Korean game companies use generative AI, with «AI capability» now the top recruitment priority for employers.
- United States·Product
First Advantage Unveils New AI Hiring Verification News
Background check provider First Advantage (ticker: FA) announced AI hiring verification news; market analysts suggest the stock may already reflect the positive development, though specific product details and financial data were not disclosed.
- United States·Policy & Law
US Immigration Uses AI to Cross-Check H-1B Address and Worksite Records
U.S. immigration authorities increasingly use AI tools to cross-check H-1B records across databases, identifying discrepancies between employee residence addresses and employer-reported worksites. Legal experts warn mismatches may trigger investigation, particularly affecting Indian professionals who comprise a large H-1B share.
- Canada & Latin America·Research
AI Disruption Hits HR and Total Rewards as Employees Face Cognitive Overload
AI disrupts HR and total rewards as employee 「cognitive availability」 drops, complicating reskilling demands, per Daniel Imbeault of Normandin Beaudry. IBM finds 37% of Canadian firms exclude CHROs from AI strategy; solutions include short-term learning and tying compensation to skill certification.
- Global·Product
Anthropic's people products head discusses Claude's role in evolving recruiter function
Anthropic's people products head discussed Claude's role in recruiter function evolution and HR systems integration at an HR Tech keynote. Specific product details and metrics were not disclosed.
- Canada & Latin America·News
As Mexico Moves to 40-Hour Workweek by 2030, Indian-Origin Entrepreneur Defends 14-Hour Workdays
Mexico plans reducing the statutory workweek to 40 hours by 2030; meanwhile, an Indian-origin AI entrepreneur publicly advocates 14-hour workdays for competitive advantage, creating industry debate.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
India's Commerce Ministry Identifying AI-proof Professions and Sectors Where India Can Lead
India's Commerce Ministry is identifying AI-resistant professions and sectors where India can achieve global leadership, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, though specifics remain undisclosed.
- China·Product
BYD Uses WeCom to Drive AI Upgrade Across Its Million Employees and Global Stores
BYD deployed AI upgrades on WeChat Work covering its million-strong workforce and thousands of global stores to enhance internal management and operational efficiency.
- United States·Product
ADP launches AI tools as ADP stock trades at EUR 271.50
Human resources firm ADP launched new AI tools; ADP stock trades at €271.50. Specific product features were not disclosed.
- United States·News
Train or Cut? From HSBC to Kroger, AI Layoffs Keep Rising
Recent AI-related layoffs include: HSBC considering 20,000 job cuts (10% of workforce); Amazon confirmed 16,000 enterprise job cuts in January; Intuit cut 3,000 positions; Kroger announced 3,000 enterprise job cuts in October.
- Global·News
Over 135,000 Tech Workers Laid Off in 2026 Amid AI-Driven Restructuring
Over 135,000 tech workers were laid off globally in 2026 through October across 330+ companies including Amazon, Oracle, Meta, and Microsoft. UPS planned up to 30,000 operational job cuts; Oracle reduced 21,000 with up to 30,000 restructuring impact; Amazon cut 16,000 enterprise positions in January.
Friday 23 October
- Europe·News
UK expert advises on legal risks of AI-generated workplace grievances
People Management reports that both employees and employers increasingly use AI to research employment law, draft grievances and prepare for HR meetings. Employment lawyer Bobby Ahmed warns AI can push both sides to frame workplace issues as legal matters prematurely, such as treating lateness or management criticism as potential discrimination or bullying claims. He notes reasonable management action does not become unlawful simply because AI flags possible legal claims.
Wednesday 21 October
- Canada & Latin America·News
Mexico's HR leaders tackle AI disruptions, labor reforms
HR leaders in Mexico discussed the impact of AI disruptions on the workplace and ongoing labor reform issues, focusing on how AI is reshaping talent management and employment policy.