The International Monetary Fund warns that artificial intelligence will generate anxiety in the global labor market by 2026, affecting jobs and the need for professional training.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) will become a major disruptive factor for the global labor market by 2026, generating an increase in employee anxiety related to job loss. Although AI can contribute to global economic growth by up to 0.8% annually, most countries and companies are not prepared for its impact.

Georgieva mentioned that it is essential for major economies to accelerate vocational training programs to respond to the changes brought by AI. Data shows that by 2025, over 55,000 layoffs in the U.S. will be related to AI implementation, and employee fears regarding job loss due to it have significantly increased. A Stanford study highlighted that entry-level roles are the most affected, while positions for experienced employees remain stable.

Despite these challenges, industry leaders suggest that the impact of AI is often exaggerated, and many layoffs are the result of economic uncertainties. However, investors are becoming increasingly attentive to how companies integrate AI and train employees, penalizing firms that do not adapt. The year 2026 is expected to be a critical moment for rethinking global labor strategies.