AI Threat or Transformation? SHRM Says Most Jobs Will Adapt, Not Disappear

A new report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) estimates that roughly 15% of all U.S. jobs — about 23 million — are at high risk of automation, as artificial intelligence (AI) and other autonomous systems become more integrated into the workplace. However, the organization emphasized that job transformation, not elimination, is the more likely outcome for most workers.

Understanding the Risk

According to SHRM, a position is considered “highly automatable” if at least half of its tasks can be performed by machines or AI systems. Jobs in computer and mathematics fields have the greatest exposure, with nearly one-third of roles falling into this category. Still, the report stresses that most jobs will retain key human components due to tasks requiring creativity, judgment, or interpersonal communication.

Why Total Automation Remains Unlikely

SHRM’s Vice President of Thought Leadership, James Atkinson, explained that nontechnical barriers—including legal and regulatory limits, cost inefficiencies, and client preferences—often prevent full automation. “When I get on a plane, it’s comforting to see a pilot, even though the technology exists to fly autonomously,” Atkinson said. Client preference was cited as the most common obstacle, appearing in nearly three-quarters of affected occupations.

A Changing Mindset

The report also reflects a shift in employer attitudes toward AI. SHRM’s Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Alex Alonso, noted that companies once hesitant to adopt AI now view it as a tool to enhance efficiency, not just a risk.

While automation continues to reshape work, SHRM’s findings suggest a future driven by human-machine collaboration—one where adaptability and learning new skills are key to staying ahead.