Gartner: Nearly 33% of AI-displaced workers may be rehired by 2029

Companies that cut jobs while refocusing on artificial intelligence may eventually need to rehire some of those workers, according to Gartner.

Gartner predicts that nearly 33% of workers displaced by AI will be rehired by 2029, potentially with higher salaries. It also forecasts that by 2027, 75% of organizations that expected to reduce costs through AI productivity gains will be overtaken by companies that reinvested those savings in modernization and training.

The research argues that organizations may need to move toward a human-centric approach in which AI handles routine work while employees’ skills and abilities are amplified. Gartner analyst Tori Paulman said executives may later view their biggest mistake as treating work automation as the goal instead of workforce amplification as the opportunity.

Paulman said competitive advantage would favor executives who build organizations where AI reshapes roles and allows workflows to cross traditional boundaries. Gartner also suggested that companies develop a “talent remix” strategy, using AI to redirect workers from less productive tasks to new opportunities.

The research concludes that AI is better used to strengthen decision-making, creativity, and leadership than to replace people for mistaken productivity gains.