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Ensuring that AI makes people valuable in the workplace is the next task for business leaders in the coming year, according to a career expert, amid reports that the growing integration of the technology potentially undermines leaders in organisations.
It found that more than half of employees are now using generative AI to write and edit emails, reports, and other tasks (57%). They are also utilising it for brainstorming and creative ideas (53%).
More than half of employees also said generative AI at least double their output (56%), with 77% saying losing access to the technology would hurt their productivity.
AI in leadership
Further research from Resume Now this year also revealed that employees are open to AI playing a leadership role in tasks that depend on logic. According to the findings, employees believe that AI:
- would make the workplace more fair and efficient (66%)
- could make better promotion decisions than humans (55%)
- could give unbiased feedback (54%)
- could set fair performance goals (54%)
- could manage projects efficiently (44%)
Nearly three in four employees are also open to AI having a say in major company decisions, such as hiring, layoffs, and budgeting.
“Employees are open to AI playing a leadership role in tasks that depend on logic rather than emotion,” the report read. “They see potential in AI’s ability to minimise favouritism, improve consistency, and make complex decisions using data.”
Losing leadership value
These findings put into question the value of managers amid AI adoption, as recent research indicates that they are “disappearing” in the growing shift to leaner workforces.
A 2025 Korn Ferry Workforce survey revealed that 41% of employees said their firms cut management layers as at organisations.
“When companies need to cut labour costs, middle managers are often the first in line for layoffs,” the report read.
Bill Schuh, CEO of Firstup, warned that reducing middle management layers could jeopardise workplace communication, trust, and employee engagement.
“Managers are critical for relaying information, as well as translating organisational priorities into action, clarity, and connection for their direct reports,” Schuh said.
AI putting more value on people
But employees aren’t ready to say goodbye to their managers entirely, according to Resume Now.
Instead, employees want the “thoughtful integration” of AI at work, where the technology can streamline systems and support fairness.
“They want leadership that combines the best of both worlds: AI for structure and fairness, and humans for inspiration and understanding,” its previous research read.
“People value leaders who listen, motivate, and navigate emotional situations with care – and that’s something AI just can’t replicate yet.”
