The growing use of artificial intelligence in workplaces has led several companies to reconsider how they manage their workforce. While businesses have increasingly adopted AI tools to automate tasks and improve operational efficiency, some employers are reportedly asking workers who were previously replaced by AI to return to their jobs.
According to a November 9 report by Fortune, citing research conducted by SHL, 19.1 percent of surveyed workers in the United States said they had been replaced by artificial intelligence and were subsequently asked to return to their previous jobs. Across the United States and the United Kingdom, the reported figure stood at 16 percent.
SHL described this development as "AI rebounding". The findings highlight the challenges companies may face when they rely on artificial intelligence to perform tasks that require human experience, professional judgement and specialised knowledge.
Companies Reconsider AI-Based Workforce Reductions
Artificial intelligence has become an important part of business operations across several industries. Companies are using AI-powered systems to automate repetitive tasks, support customer service, analyse information and improve productivity.
As these technologies become more widely available, some employers have considered reducing their dependence on human workers for certain activities. In some cases, businesses have reportedly replaced employees with AI systems as part of efforts to reduce costs and streamline operations.
However, automation does not always produce the expected results. Although AI tools can complete specific tasks quickly, they may not consistently deliver the level of judgement, experience and problem-solving ability required for complex responsibilities.
The reported decision by some companies to bring former employees back suggests that replacing workers with technology may not always be a straightforward process.
SHL Research Highlights AI Rehiring Trend
The figures cited in the Fortune report are based on research by SHL, a company specialising in workforce assessment and talent solutions.
According to the report, 19.1 percent of surveyed US workers said they had experienced being replaced by AI before being asked to return to their jobs.
When the findings from the United States and the United Kingdom were considered together, the figure stood at 16 percent.
These findings indicate that some employees who were initially replaced through AI-related workforce changes were later approached by their employers to resume their roles.
However, the figures reflect the responses of surveyed workers and should not be interpreted as the percentage of all companies that have reversed AI-related layoffs. The report also does not establish that every employee who returned was rehired under the same conditions or for exactly the same responsibilities.
Why Artificial Intelligence May Not Fully Replace Employees
One of the key issues highlighted by the research is the difference between automating individual tasks and replacing an entire job.
Artificial intelligence can be useful for handling repetitive activities, processing large amounts of information and generating responses. However, many jobs involve responsibilities that require more than completing a set of instructions.
Employees often rely on practical experience, professional judgement, communication skills and an understanding of workplace situations. These abilities can be particularly important when dealing with unusual problems, making decisions or responding to customers.
For example, an AI system may assist with analysing information or preparing a draft response. However, a human employee may still be required to verify the information, understand the wider context and make the final decision.
This distinction may explain why some employers have reconsidered workforce reductions after introducing AI-based systems.
Human Experience and Professional Judgement Remain Important
SHL's findings underline the importance of experience and expertise in the workplace. While AI can support employees and automate selected responsibilities, it may not be suitable for independently handling every aspect of a role.
In many organisations, employees combine technical knowledge with an understanding of customers, business processes and organisational priorities. These capabilities can take considerable time to develop.
Companies that remove experienced workers without adequately assessing the limitations of automation may face difficulties when important responsibilities cannot be handled effectively by AI tools alone.
Rehiring former employees could therefore become one way for businesses to address gaps that emerge after implementing automation.
AI and the Future of Employment
The reported trend does not mean that artificial intelligence will stop changing the employment landscape. AI adoption is likely to continue influencing how companies organise work, recruit employees and define job responsibilities.
Instead, the findings point to the importance of identifying which tasks can be automated and which responsibilities still require human involvement.
Businesses may increasingly look towards a combination of AI tools and human expertise rather than treating technology and employees as complete substitutes for one another.
For workers, the changing workplace could also increase the importance of developing skills that complement AI systems, including critical thinking, communication, decision-making and problem-solving.
Overall, the SHL research cited by Fortune highlights a possible consequence of rapid AI adoption. Some companies that replaced workers with artificial intelligence are reportedly asking them to return, suggesting that human experience and professional judgement continue to play an important role in many jobs.
