Gen Z, DEI and opportunity: How AI has changed the way we work

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  • Key Insight: Here's why rapid AI adoption is forcing some employers to rehire for eliminated positions.
  • Expert Quote: "Where organizations sometimes get it wrong is moving too quickly." — Robert Hosking, Robert Half
  • Forward Look: Prepare for employees demanding clarity on how AI will impact their roles.
    Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

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Despite the progress organizations have made in the area of AI, artificial intelligence remains one of the biggest priorities going forward for business leaders — and for good reason.

Eighty-eight percent of organizations are using AI, with 57% feeling optimistic about it being integrated into current workflows, according to a recent survey from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half. And while the consensus of AI's overall impact on work is still to be determined, there are already many places where AI has solidified its role in workplaces for better and for worse. 

As AI adoption accelerates, experts say clear communication, more thoughtful investments, and a broader outlook from employers will be just as important as the technology itself.

Read more: AI is reshaping jobs, not replacing them

"Transparency is going to be key," said Robert Hosking, executive director of the administrative and customer support practice at Robert Half. "With so many headlines warning about the impact of AI on jobs, people are understandably nervous. Employees need clarity from leadership on how AI will and won't impact their roles."

Here are some of the most significant ways AI is transforming the workplace — and where there is still room to grow.

The right approach is crucial for Gen Z

Postings for entry-level jobs in the U.S. have fallen 35% over the past year, according to a recent survey from workforce intelligence firm Revelio Labs, with AI playing a major role in the decline. While the shift in job availability has signaled a rapid and successful technological adoption, it also risks worsening an already challenging job market for young people.

However, Gen Z isn't letting go without a fight. According to data from software company ICIMS, Gen Z candidates still make up more than 80% of all tech job applications, even as the pathways to those roles begin to disappear. All they need from workplaces is more opportunity from organizations to learn how to use AI to their advantage.

Read more: How to successfully recruit and retain Gen Z talent
While AI shrinks entry-level tech jobs, Gen Z isn't giving up
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AI is taking entry-level jobs from Gen Z, stunting business growth

Creating new opportunities

Rather than eliminating jobs, AI is reshaping work by taking over routine tasks and enabling professionals to focus on more strategic, higher-value responsibilities. Many employees surveyed by Robert Half said AI integration expanded their roles by introducing new responsibilities — including ethical oversight, quality assurance, and ongoing AI training — rather than replacing existing ones

AI investments are also helping managers become more effective leaders by supporting structured training, professional development, goal setting, and continuous performance feedback. At the same time, some organizations that implemented rapid AI-driven layoffs have since rehired for many of those positions, creating new opportunities for job seekers.

"Where organizations sometimes get it wrong is moving too quickly," Hosking said. "[The right] preparation comes down to investing in people who demonstrate adaptability and commitment to continuous learning alongside new technology."

Read more: AI is reshaping jobs, not replacing them
How AI can enhance managers' leadership skills
Organizations forced to rehire managers following AI-driven layoffs
5 things to consider so your AI adoption doesn't fail you

Making workplaces more efficient

Eighty-five percent of employees say they feel confused about their benefits, according to a recent survey by Businessolver. However, when supported by AI, their assurance rises significantly: 79% of employees report feeling confident in their decisions, 85% rate their enrollment experience as great or excellent, and 77% say the process helped them understand their benefits very or extremely well. 

From open enrollment to onboarding, AI agents are also proving to be incredibly efficient in supporting both employees and benefit leaders through some of the most stressful times of year. They can answer many of the simpler, more routine questions and let leaders focus on the most important and complex parts of the process

Read more: How AI is fixing the benefit literacy gap
Ready for complex open enrollment questions? AI agents can help
How this AI agent is making the onboarding process simple for small businesses

DEI challenges remain unaddressed

According to a recent survey from career insights platform ZipRecruiter, only 13% of women have listed AI skills on their resumes compared to 15% of men. In addition, less than 30% have experienced an AI-led or assisted interview process compared to 45% of their male colleagues — putting women at a disadvantage when it comes to AI skills and in need of upskilling opportunities. 

For neurodivergent talent, AI efforts have also fallen short, with many organizations overlooking AI investments that can specifically help employees with autism and other behavioral disabilities. 

"What's really interesting is that these tools aren't leveling the playing field at all," said Nicole Bachaud, a labor economist at ZipRecruiter. "[They're doing] just the opposite."

Read more: AI is widening the gender pay gap
As employers expand inclusion efforts to neurodivergent staff, their AI falls short


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