Large companies that had previously reduced their staff due to artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization have begun returning employees to their positions, according to a report dated October 31.
Firms including Bloomberg, Ford, and Klarna are among those hiring workers who were laid off. Company management has concluded that customers increasingly prefer interacting with humans rather than algorithms during service engagements.
“When critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and institutional knowledge are required, AI simply cannot replicate these abilities,” said Bill Driscoll, Robert Half’s senior district director.
Lucy Beaumont, vice president of the British technology company SHL, added that technological advancements have not yet fully mastered empathy—a quality uniquely human.
Employees returning to their roles are now demanding salary increases. They cite expanded responsibilities: in addition to performing core tasks, they must monitor AI outputs and correct errors.
