A national survey of more than 1,000 employed U.S. adults conducted by Resume Now indicates that AI's influence on the workplace extends beyond productivity to fundamental questions of human experience. The AI and Workplace Humanity Report shows that 63% of workers anticipate AI making the workplace feel less human in 2026, with 42% identifying dehumanization of work as a major AI-related issue.
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The Resume Now AI and Workplace Humanity Report highlights a prevailing sense among U.S. workers that AI adoption may erode the interpersonal and humanistic aspects of work, even as it delivers efficiency gains. While discussions often center on output improvements, the findings point to deeper unease about how technology reshapes daily workplace dynamics and human connections.
A combined 63% of respondents expect AI to diminish the human feel of work in 2026. This breaks down to 43% who anticipate a somewhat less human environment marked by greater automation and devaluation of human effort, and 20% who foresee a significantly colder, machine-dominated setting. In contrast, only 16% predict a more human workplace—9% somewhat more human and 7% much more human through freedom for meaningful tasks—while 21% foresee little to no change.
Over-reliance on AI leading to erosion of human skills emerged as the leading anticipated workforce challenge, cited by 57% of workers. This concern outranked job displacement or loss (49%) and dehumanization of work (42%). Other notable issues included surveillance or data misuse (36%), lack of transparency or accountability (35%), and bias in hiring or promotions (21%).
On a personal level, job loss topped AI-related fears at 29%, followed closely by data misuse or privacy violations (23%) and diminished creativity or critical thinking at work (20%). Additional concerns encompassed constant surveillance and monitoring (18%) and hidden bias in hiring or promotions (10%).
Regarding AI skills, workers express a measured outlook. Nearly half (48%) believe these competencies will prove important in certain roles but not the majority by the end of 2026. Only 18% anticipate AI skills becoming a near-universal requirement across white-collar positions, while 17% see them as optional or niche and another 17% consider them overhyped and largely unnecessary.
"AI can improve efficiency, but technology adoption is never just about output," said Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. "When most workers say AI will make the workplace feel less human, it signals anxiety about critical thinking, surveillance, and connection. Employees aren't rejecting AI. They're asking how it will be used and whether it strengthens or weakens the human side of work."
The survey, fielded in October 2025 among 1,003 employed U.S. adults via Pollfish, captured a representative cross-section of the workforce: 67% female, 33% male; 13% Gen Z, 32% Millennials, 36% Gen X, and 19% Baby Boomers. Questions addressed projected AI impacts on workplace culture, skill development, job security, and associated risks for 2026.
The full AI and Workplace Humanity Report is available for download via Resume Now's website.
About Resume Now
Resume Now is a powerful resource dedicated to helping job-seekers achieve their potential. Resume Now's AI resume builder is a cutting-edge tool that makes creating a resume fast, easy, and painless. Resume Now has been dedicated to serving job seekers since 2005. Alongside its powerful AI resume builder and stylish ready-to-use templates, it also features free advice for job seekers at every career stage, guides for every step of the hiring process, and free resources for writing cover letters. Resume Now is committed to supporting job seekers and workers alike and has conducted numerous surveys related to the experience, trends, and culture of the workplace.
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