A survey released by KPMG on Monday found that 52% of U.S. workers now worry about losing their jobs due to artificial intelligence (AI), nearly double the rate from last year. The report calls on business leaders to deepen their commitment to helping workers adapt to an AI-driven future.

"Workers are using AI to become more efficient, but they don't see how that efficiency translates into benefits for themselves," said Katie Dahler, head of human capital consulting at KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms, in a press release. "By reinvesting the productivity gains from AI into the skill upgrades employees need, companies can show they view workers as partners in transformation and build long-term trust."

Meanwhile, another study released this month by Economist Impact, the think tank arm of The Economist Group, shows that CFOs are divided on AI's impact on the workforce. The study, sponsored by SAP, found that 42% of finance chiefs believe layoffs are the clearest way to demonstrate return on AI investment, but a similar share (43%) disagree, viewing layoffs as a narrow and potentially short-sighted metric.

"The rise of AI has sparked difficult conversations about disruption, cost pressures, and potential layoffs," said Economist Impact. "Financial leaders must make decisions on upskilling, people management, and the pace of technology adoption, all while keeping pace in an increasingly competitive AI race."

A study released by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in late August revealed a "significant association" between AI adoption and rising unemployment since 2022, particularly in the tech sector. "Our results suggest we may be witnessing the early stages of AI-driven job displacement," the authors wrote.

The issue has also drawn attention in Congress. Earlier this month, Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced legislation (S. 3108) that would require entities such as public companies and federal agencies to report AI-related layoffs to the Department of Labor and compile the data into a public report.

"Artificial intelligence is already replacing American workers, and experts predict AI could push unemployment to 10%-20% within the next five years," Hawley said in a press release. "The American people deserve an accurate understanding of how AI is affecting our workforce so we can ensure AI serves the people, not the other way around."

However, at a virtual conference hosted this month by Financial Executives International, a group of executives from large tech companies painted a more optimistic picture of AI's impact on the workforce.

"There's a lot of talk about machines replacing our jobs... but we must view AI as a tool that augments human capabilities," said Danielle Fontaine, assistant controller at ServiceNow, during a session on AI use cases in finance functions.

Denise Lucas, vice president and assistant controller at IBM, agreed, saying she "strongly" disagrees with reports that AI will take away accountants' jobs. "It will change tasks; it will remove some tasks... but AI can hallucinate, and the people who can point that out... are subject-matter experts who can think critically and collaborate with others," Lucas said. "All those inherent human skills won't disappear; I think they'll be amplified in the next phase."

As ServiceNow brings AI into its finance processes, the company is working to "bring the entire finance organization along," Fontaine said. She mentioned that employees interested in learning more about AI can participate in the company's monthly "AI Academy."

KPMG noted that although 85% of companies offer some form of AI training, 84% of employees say they need more training. Fewer than half of organizations make AI training mandatory, "which sends a mixed signal about its importance."

KPMG also found that 77% of employees report AI helps them focus on higher-value work, but they also worry AI will be able to handle more than half of their role within two years. "Organizations must recognize this tension and seize the moment to reshape workforce strategies for an AI-driven future now," Monday's report said. "This means planning for new skills and roles, guiding employees through change, and creating clear career paths so employees feel supported."

KPMG said its survey covered more than 2,100 full-time and part-time U.S. employees across several major industries. Participants spanned generations and held various roles in organizations with more than 5,000 employees. The survey was conducted in June and July.