With AI-driven efficiencies leading to white-collar layoffs at companies like Amazon and UPS, do you think AI is starting to replace rather than support roles like project management?
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
We often say AI will enhance PM work by automating routine tasks so we can focus on strategy and leadership. But recent layoffs suggest organizations may see AI as a way to reduce headcount altogether. Is this just short-term restructuring—or a deeper shift in how companies value and staff knowledge-based roles? Saving Changes...
Program Manager| HARPER SRLSanto Domingo / Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic
I think what we’re seeing isn’t AI replacing project management itself, but organizations misinterpreting efficiency gains as redundancy. When AI automates reporting, forecasting, or even stakeholder updates, leadership might mistake visibility for control, overlooking that PMs provide judgment, prioritization, and trust-building, which no algorithm replicates.
In the long run, companies that use AI to augment, not eliminate, will gain the most. The PM’s role will shift toward strategic orchestration, interpreting AI insights, guiding ethical decisions, and keeping human alignment across increasingly digital ecosystems. The risk isn’t AI taking our place, it’s organizations undervaluing the human intelligence that makes AI useful in the first place.
Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
AI isn’t replacing project managers, it’s redefining what management means.
Recent layoffs reflect structural flattening, not the end of project work.
The PMs who thrive now are those who think systemically, decide ethically, and lead human-AI ecosystems with purpose. Saving Changes...
I wouldn't use Amazon and UPS as benchmarks. They're notorious for not valuing employees already.
I do think we will see some adjustments as businesses find the right fit, much like digital transformations of the past. First comes a big shift to technogy replacing people. That often uncovers a new set of issues like not enough tech savvy people to use the new tools effectively. The pendulum swings until an equilibrium is found. Such has been the case with the introduction of many technologies.
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1 reply by Eduard Hernandez
Oct 30, 2025 4:37 PM
Eduard Hernandez
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The list of companies that have announced or carried out (white collar) layoffs is large:
- Nestle
- Microsoft
- Meta
- Intel
- Autodesk
- Workday
- Accenture
- Philips
- Unilever
- Many more...
...
I agree with your standpoint. We are going through a shake-up phase, which will eventually fade away and reshape the work landscape by eliminating jobs and creating new ones.
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
Oct 30, 2025 3:15 PM
Replying to Keith Novak
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I wouldn't use Amazon and UPS as benchmarks. They're notorious for not valuing employees already.
I do think we will see some adjustments as businesses find the right fit, much like digital transformations of the past. First comes a big shift to technogy replacing people. That often uncovers a new set of issues like not enough tech savvy people to use the new tools effectively. The pendulum swings until an equilibrium is found. Such has been the case with the introduction of many technologies.
The list of companies that have announced or carried out (white collar) layoffs is large:
- Nestle
- Microsoft
- Meta
- Intel
- Autodesk
- Workday
- Accenture
- Philips
- Unilever
- Many more...
...
I agree with your standpoint. We are going through a shake-up phase, which will eventually fade away and reshape the work landscape by eliminating jobs and creating new ones.
...
1 reply by Keith Novak
Oct 30, 2025 5:01 PM
Keith Novak
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I live near Seattle, WA which is where many of the big tech companies have their HQ, so I've had the opportunity to work and network with many employees from some of them. Yes there have been many layoffs, but the reasons given by the companies is not always the true or at least complete story. Many of them have a culture of burning out employees quickly and encouraging high attrition. With Return to Work following COVID for example, much of it was not really about improving efficiency, but rather encouraging people to leave rather than laying people off. There are no benefits paid to people who quit. While AI plays a factor in some of the current layoffs, I would be very confident that there is more to the story than the press releases.
The list of companies that have announced or carried out (white collar) layoffs is large:
- Nestle
- Microsoft
- Meta
- Intel
- Autodesk
- Workday
- Accenture
- Philips
- Unilever
- Many more...
...
I agree with your standpoint. We are going through a shake-up phase, which will eventually fade away and reshape the work landscape by eliminating jobs and creating new ones.
I live near Seattle, WA which is where many of the big tech companies have their HQ, so I've had the opportunity to work and network with many employees from some of them. Yes there have been many layoffs, but the reasons given by the companies is not always the true or at least complete story. Many of them have a culture of burning out employees quickly and encouraging high attrition. With Return to Work following COVID for example, much of it was not really about improving efficiency, but rather encouraging people to leave rather than laying people off. There are no benefits paid to people who quit. While AI plays a factor in some of the current layoffs, I would be very confident that there is more to the story than the press releases. Saving Changes...
That’s a very timely question, Eduard. I believe AI is still more of a support tool than a replacement, especially in project management, where human judgment, leadership, and empathy are critical. AI can automate reports, schedules, and analytics, but it can’t replace decision-making that relies on context and emotional intelligence. However, PMs who don’t adapt and learn to use AI effectively might find their roles shifting or shrinking.
What do you think, will AI redefine PM roles or simply change how we deliver value? Saving Changes...
Syed, I agree with you. AI cannot lead and deliver human judgement. AI can automate and will continue to automate but humans have to prioritize what problems need to be solved. Human also need to connect the dots and cover the gaps between solutions AI provides and business value. Saving Changes...
Nooruddin TaherMr Nooruddin Taher| JLL KSARiyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Hi all How about impact on Facilities management of AI Saving Changes...
PM Consultant| CLOUD SAFE CO., LTD.New Taipei City, NWT, Taiwan
AI is more likely to replace PM hours than PM ownership. When we automate routine work (notes, follow-ups, status, RTM), the role shifts toward what machines can’t own: risk and compliance interpretation, stakeholder alignment, and making decisions traceable and auditable. Without governance (policies, controls, observability), “AI adoption” becomes a short-term headcount reduction; with governance, PMs upgrade to owners of decision quality and value proof. Saving Changes...
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