AI-Led Layoffs Aren’t Translating Into Better Returns: Report
A survey found that most companies deploying autonomous business systems reported workforce cuts, but the reductions did not translate into stronger ROI.
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Companies that reduce jobs while implementing autonomous technologies might not experience corresponding financial benefits. A recent Gartner report indicated that approximately 80% of organizations testing or using autonomous business capabilities reported workforce cuts. Nonetheless, firms with higher ROI reported layoffs at nearly the same rate as those with weak or negative results.
The findings are based on a survey of 350 global business executives conducted in the third quarter of 2025. The respondents came from organizations with annual revenue of at least $1 billion and were already testing or deploying technologies including AI agents, intelligent automation, and autonomous systems.
“Many CEOs turn to layoffs to demonstrate quick AI returns; however, this disposition is misplaced,” said Helen Poitevin, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner.
“Workforce reductions may create budget room, but they do not create return. Organizations that improve ROI are not those that eliminate the need for people, but those that amplify them by aggressively investing more in skills, roles, and operating models that allow humans to guide and scale autonomous systems,” she added.
Gartner said autonomous business systems use technologies such as AI agents, robotic process automation, digital twins, and tokenized assets to move companies beyond basic automation toward more independent decision-making systems.
The firm argued that the shift does not point toward “humanless” businesses, but rather toward operations in which humans oversee, govern, and expand autonomous systems.
“Long term, autonomous business will create more work for humans, not less,” Poitevin said.
Gartner also forecasts strong growth in spending on AI agent software. The company expects global spending in the category to rise to $206.5 billion in 2026 and $376.3 billion in 2027, up from $86.4 billion in 2025. Autonomous business models are also likely to become net job creators between 2028 and 2029 as companies create new roles to manage, supervise, and scale AI-driven systems.
