Nearly a third of companies plan to replace HR with AI

Employers are entering 2026 with plans to replace employees with artificial intelligence – and even HR professionals will not be safe from these plans.

A new survey from AI Resume Builder revealed that 30% of companies plan to replace employees with AI in 2026, after 21% said they replaced specific roles with AI this year.

Nearly half (49%) of employers with plans to replace staff said that between 10% and 45% of their current workforce will be replaced by AI. 

Customer service roles emerged as the position most likely to be replaced with AI next year, followed by administrative and clerical roles, as well as IT and technical support roles. 

"These functions overlap with the areas where AI is already most widely used, including data analysis, summarising meetings and documents, and research," the report read. 

HR and recruiting roles will also be impacted by AI replacements, according to 30% of employers planning the move.

Resume Now data from earlier this year revealed that 89% of employees are concerned about being replaced by rapidly developing AI tools.

These concerns are prompting some employees to hide their AI usage, according to a Cox Business report, as some said they are nervous to admit how much of their work can be accomplished by AI.

Another recent concerning finding on job insecurity from Adaptavist revealed that 35% of employees are hoarding knowledge for fear of being replaced, while 38% are reluctant to train colleagues in areas they see as their personal strength.

Rachel Serwetz, career advisor at AIResumeBuilder.com, said employees wanting to secure their place in their organisation should start by learning the AI tools most relevant to their field. 

"For example, if AI is adopted for customer service, administrative, or IT work, there will still be a need for people to manage and oversee those tools," Serwetz said in a statement.

"Research which technologies are becoming common in your industry and become an expert in how and when to use them."

Two in three business leaders (67%) said employees with AI skills will have more job security, with the majority saying that candidates with AI capabilities are more desirable.

Serwetz also noted that this may be the perfect opportunity to clarify career directions.

"If automation is reshaping your current role and you're not passionate about it, consider pivoting to positions that feel more aligned and less at risk," she said.