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Almost half of employed Canadian job seekers fear their jobs will be eliminated due to AI

While 54 per cent of Canadian hiring managers say their company uses AI (up from 52 per cent last fall), 59 per cent admit their company does not have the resources or training to help employees use it effectively, according to a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

Employers embrace AI, but fear falling behind

AI’s promise of productivity and collaboration has driven adoption, with 21 per cent of companies using it regularly, a jump from 16 per cent last year. And the long-term strategy seems clear: 64 per cent of hiring managers say training employees on AI is essential for success. Yet readiness gaps loom large, not only for employers but also for workers.

In fact, more than half of employed job seekers (59 per cent) share the same concern about their own companies lacking resources or training, underscoring a widespread challenge across the workforce.

AI: Ally or job killer?

Job seekers agree training is critical, with 75 per cent believing it is essential for companies to succeed, but anxiety runs deep.

Nearly two-thirds of job seekers (63 per cent) worry AI will significantly limit job opportunities, and almost half (46 per cent) fear their job could be eliminated entirely. There are significant generational differences though, with Gen Z (55 per cent) and millennials (52 per cent) much more concerned about AI eliminating their jobs than Gen X (33 per cent) or Boomers (16 per cent).

Beyond job loss, many fear skills will erode:

• 44 per cent say employees will lose the ability to think creatively
• 43 per cent worry employees will put in less effort
• 37 per cent fear employees will lose the ability to problem solve
• 35 per cent cite skill development loss
• 31 per cent predict employees will lose the ability to work with others
• 31 per cent also believe employees will collaborate less

Despite concerns, job seekers turn to AI

Even as they worry, job seekers are leveraging AI to get ahead. The majority believe it is appropriate to use generative AI for key steps in the job hunt:

• 81 per cent agree it’s appropriate to use AI for drafting resumes and cover letters
• 70 per cent for creating professional headshots
• 61 per cent for creating work samples
• 55 per cent for answering interview questions in real time

“AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace, but success isn’t measured by speed alone. It’s about balance,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International. “The key is to harness AI efficiently while preserving the human qualities that drive creativity, judgment and collaboration. Technology should amplify human potential, not replace it.”

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 2 to 18, among 500 Canadian hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from June 12 to 27, among 503 adults ages 18 and older.