You can’t lay off millions overnight: Jamie Dimon on phasing AI, reskilling workers, and securing future careers

JPMorgan Chase CEO, Jamie Dimon (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

As workplaces around the globe are undergoing an unprecedented revolution owing to AI, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s words have become a significant reminder that aims directly at the minds of students, young professionals, and educators alike. In a speech to the World Economic Forum meetup, also known as the Davos conference, Dimon admitted to AI’s usage that would lead to a reduced need to maintain the overall workforce, yet went on to assert that “cutting jobs is a bigger social issue than he thinks.”At a moment when companies are under pressure to deliver higher productivity with fewer employees, Dimon argued that unchecked automation-led job cuts could fuel instability, inequality, and public backlash. His remarks underline a growing concern: technological progress without planning for people can harm long-term growth.

“You can’t replace millions of workers overnight”

At Davos, Dimon stressed that AI adoption must be phased in carefully. He cited the example of the US trucking industry, which employs close to two million drivers, many earning high wages. A sudden shift to fully autonomous trucks, he said, could leave large sections of the workforce without viable alternatives.“You can’t lay off two million truckers tomorrow,” Dimon noted, calling instead for retraining, redeployment, and income-support measures. He said JPMorgan already has plans to retrain and relocate employees affected by automation, and added that he would even support government intervention if it helped prevent abrupt, large-scale layoffs.

Global data backs concerns over rapid automation

Dimon’s warning is supported by global labour research. According to the OECD Employment Outlook, around 27–28% of jobs across OECD countries are at high risk of automation when AI and related technologies are combined. This indicates that the impact of automation is not limited to a few sectors but spans large parts of the modern economy.The results also revealed that the adoption of AI technology is already impacting the skills required. In a survey by the OECD, which covered finance as well as firms in the manufacturing industry, more than half of the finance firm employees agreed, while 45% of employees from manufacturing firms agreed, that some of the skills they possessed were rendered less important due to AI.Without structured reskilling, such shifts can push workers out of the labour market rather than helping them transition.

Reskilling works, but only if employers invest

Importantly, OECD data also shows that alternatives to layoffs exist. Among firms actively adopting AI, 64% in finance and 71% in manufacturing reported retraining or upskilling their existing workforce instead of cutting jobs. These organisations were more likely to retain experienced employees while adapting to new technologies.For students and early-career professionals, this highlights the growing importance of lifelong learning. Degrees alone are no longer enough; continuous skill development is becoming central to career resilience.

AI exposure is widespread, not limited to tech jobs

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that the reach of AI is broader than commonly assumed. A joint ILO–NASK study found that around 25% of jobs globally are exposed to generative AI, meaning significant parts of those roles could be transformed—even if they are not fully automated.The ILO also notes that disruption will not be evenly distributed. In high-income countries, jobs traditionally held by women, particularly in clerical and administrative work, face higher exposure to AI-driven change, raising concerns about inequality if transitions are poorly managed.

What this means for students and future careers

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report estimates that 23% of jobs globally will change over the next five years, due in part to technology and economic shifts-roles created, transformed, or wiped out. New opportunities will emerge, the report said, but also estimated a net loss of millions of roles if reskilling does not keep pace.Dimon’s speech at Davos has a pertinent point for us in our pursuit of a good career path: the future of our jobs isn’t about “embracing artificial intelligence,” it’s about effectively managing that change in a way that avoids a crisis from disruptions in that change.As AI continues to advance, Dimon’s message stands out in global business circles—progress is inevitable, but mass layoffs are not. The real challenge lies in preparing people for new roles before old ones disappear.