A recent Blind survey of 1,552 Indian tech professionals shows that 66% of AI/ML workers foresee layoffs or major team cuts within the next three to six months, making them one of the most anxious employee groups. The data challenges the belief that AI roles guarantee job security.

Key Takeaways

  • 66% of AI/ML professionals expect layoffs soon
  • Only 24% of engineers feel highly at risk
  • Salesforce, Oracle and Uber show the highest concern levels

Survey Overview

Conducted in July 2026, the anonymous Blind survey queried 1,552 India‑based tech professionals. It revealed that two‑thirds of AI/ML workers anticipate a layoff or significant headcount reduction in the next three to six months, placing them just behind sales and marketing employees (68%).

Comparison Across Functions

Product and design teams reported similar anxiety (65% expecting cuts), while engineering showed far less concern—only 24% said layoffs were ‘very likely.’ Data and analytics teams were the most optimistic, with 51% feeling safe and 40% believing cuts unlikely.

Company‑Specific Risks

Among major tech firms, Salesforce topped the worry chart at 81%, followed closely by Oracle (80%), Uber (77%) and PayPal (75%). In contrast, Indian SaaS firms like Zoho (9% at risk) and Freshworks (44%) displayed considerably lower anxiety levels.

Signals Employees Watch

When asked what cues indicated impending layoffs, 27% cited hiring freezes, 24% pointed to budget cuts, and many mentioned project cancellations, performance improvement plans (PIPs) and bench policies. Only 9% said formal layoff announcements were the primary trigger.

Historical Background

Over the past decade, AI has oscillated between being hailed as a job creator and a disruptor. Early optimism in the 2010s positioned AI roles as “future‑proof,” but the rapid rise of generative AI tools has intensified concerns about redundancy among those who build the technology.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that rising anxiety among AI professionals could slow down talent acquisition and innovation, as companies may need to reassess their workforce strategies to retain critical AI expertise.

"AI talent is the new oil; losing them could cripple a company's competitive edge," says Dr. Ananya Rao, AI strategist.
Did You Know?: Despite a 30% surge in AI startup hiring across India in 2024‑25, larger enterprises report higher layoff anxiety, highlighting a divide between startup agility and corporate inertia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will AI job security improve in the near future?
A1: Companies are ramping up reskilling and AI‑focused training programs, but a clear, industry‑wide safety net has yet to emerge.

Q2: What are the early warning signs of potential layoffs?
A2: Hiring freezes, budget reductions, project cancellations, and the introduction of performance improvement plans (PIPs) are the most common indicators.