New SHRM Research Warns 19 Million Jobs Are at Risk of Displacement
The new report highlights how business leaders can strategize for workforce resilience.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – SHRM, the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace, released its groundbreaking 2025 Jobs at Risk Report, which found 19.2 million jobs face high or very high risk of displacement due to automation. With industries and occupations increasingly affected by rapid technological advancements, SHRM is urging organizations to adopt its AI+HI=ROI strategy, combining artificial intelligence with human intelligence to build a resilient and adaptive workforce.
Using innovative methodologies and data analysis, the report (the first in a multi-part series) highlights substantial disparities in automation displacement risk across sectors and roles:
The share of employment facing high or very high automation displacement risk ranges from 4.7% in life sciences to 19.9% in business and financial operations.
Blue-collar, service, and administrative support roles are disproportionately affected, with elevated risk levels compared to other occupational categories.
Industries such as finance, insurance, and manufacturing report the highest exposure to automation-driven workforce disruptions.
“Automation is no longer a hypothetical challenge; it is a present reality requiring thoughtful, strategic action from organizations,” said Alex Alonso, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at SHRM. “While automation has the potential to drive efficiency, businesses must pair it with human ingenuity to unlock true value. Our AI+HI=ROI strategy provides a roadmap for HR professionals to balance technology adoption with human capital investment to secure long-term organizational success."
Key Findings Include:
Workforce Impact
A total of 12.6% of U.S. jobs face high or very high automation displacement risk, confirming the pressing need for reskilling initiatives tailored to vulnerable employee populations.
Sector-Specific Struggles
Automation risk varies significantly by industry, with key sectors, such as finance and manufacturing, showing particularly high exposure.
The Rising Need for a Human-Centered Approach to AI
The findings underscore the importance of maintaining adaptable human talent alongside advancing AI systems, offering HR leaders opportunities to create equitable, future-focused strategies.
The AI+HI=ROI Strategy in Action:
Designed to help organizations adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape, SHRM's AI+HI=ROI approach focuses on creating synergy between artificial intelligence and human intelligence. It equips HR professionals and business leaders with the tools to:
Reskill and Upskill Workforces: By identifying high-risk roles and providing targeted training, businesses can future-proof their employees.
Leverage Data-Informed Decision-Making: AI can enhance talent management while human intelligence ensures nuanced, ethical implementation.
Strengthen Employee Engagement: Integrating AI thoughtfully into work environments enhances operational efficiency without compromising the human touch.
Organizations must act swiftly to address the challenges highlighted in the report. SHRM is committed to supporting its members and the broader business community by providing actionable insights, resources, and expert guidance on navigating the future of work.
To access the full Jobs at Risk Report visit SHRM.org/Jobs-at-Risk.
About SHRM
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org
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