Survey: nearly 1 in 5 US workers replaced by AI were asked to come back
13 November 2026 · 2 min read · HireHo
Based on BW People, 2 November 2026, reporting SHL research done by Propeller Insights. The survey covers the US and UK, not India. Summarised in our own words.
A new survey says some employers that cut jobs for AI are now asking those workers to come back. SHL, a talent assessment company, asked more than 1,000 workers each in the US and UK. Propeller Insights did the fieldwork in June and July 2026. BW People reported the results.
The survey does not cover India. The article does not give how many of the workers had actually been laid off or replaced by AI, so treat the numbers as a signal, not a market size.
What workers said
- Nearly one in five surveyed US workers said they were laid off or replaced by AI and then asked to return.
- 6.6% of US workers said they would not return under any circumstances.
- To go back, nearly half would want a significant pay rise, 43% a written job security promise, 40% full openness about how AI is used in their role, and about 30% an apology or acknowledgement from leaders.
How workers are preparing
- 44% are teaching themselves AI tools.
- 42.6% are building skills for their own industry.
- 40% are working on people and leadership skills, and 38% on creative and strategic thinking.
What the experts say
SHL's Lucy Beaumont says some companies now feel they pulled the plug on human employees too quickly. The article names Ford and Amazon as companies that revisited staffing. Experts quoted say AI works best with the knowledge and judgement of people who know the business.
What this means for you
- If you are an HR or hiring manager, cutting roles for AI can bring hidden costs such as rehiring and low morale.
- If you are an employee, learning AI tools for your own work makes you harder to replace.
- Ask for clear promises about job security and AI use if you are ever offered your old job back.