More than 40% of CEOs surveyed plan to cut junior roles within the next one to two years, shifting workforce composition toward mid-level and senior positions, according to Oliver Wyman's recent report covering 415 CEOs representing 10% of global market cap [1, 2]. Only 17% of CEOs plan to increase junior roles during the same period, reversing last year's trend which had prioritized entry-level hiring [1, 2].
John Romeo, CEO of the Oliver Wyman Forum, said, "Junior workers will find it harder to enter the labor market now. CEOs are focusing on mid- and senior-level talent to boost productivity" [2]. The research shows AI technologies can perform many junior-level tasks such as coding and market analysis but lack the human insight gained from experience [2]. Ravin Jesuthasan, a consultant on the future of work, explained, "I need someone who has actually done this work before. Their experience, wisdom, critical thinking, and problem-solving raise their value" [2].
Older, more experienced workers are becoming more valuable as AI automates routine junior jobs. However, job security for senior employees is not guaranteed. Labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci noted, "Employer commitments to workers are weakening" despite the shift toward valuing more experienced staff [2].
A Stanford University study published in November 2025 found younger employees in AI-adopting sectors face a 16% higher risk of unemployment, indicating rising challenges for junior workers [2]. Employers also face risks by cutting junior hiring, as shortages of experienced mid-level talent may develop later [2].
In February 2026, IBM announced plans to double junior hiring in the US and revise job descriptions to meet AI-era demands, presenting a contrasting approach among major companies [2]. The Oliver Wyman survey and these findings underscore shifting hiring strategies shaped by AI's impact on workforce needs.
The CEO survey data reflecting these workforce changes was released in April 2026. Companies will likely finalize hiring plans and workforce composition adjustments throughout the rest of 2026 [2].
