Joe McKendrick

Work from home or hybrid is still in play for the information class, and new data out of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics makes it abundantly clear that work from home or hybrid is still not the rule for most workers..

One of the misconceptions about work from home or hybrid is that the entire workforce can avail itself with such arrangements.

Global spending on AI is projected to reach $2.59 trillion this year, a 47% increase, and $3.5 trillion next year, according to Gartner. However, a Bain & Company survey reveals that despite these massive investments, AI is largely failing to deliver its promised value. Nearly 40% of companies achieved less than 10% in cost savings, falling short of their 11-20% targets. This underperformance is a recurring issue across automation waves, yet 90% of companies continue to boost their AI budgets for more autonomous agents. Key roadblocks include AI's lack of full autonomy, companies making circular bets by funding new AI from underperforming past automation savings, and persistent data access and integration challenges. To improve ROI, experts recommend redesigning processes, auditing actual past tech returns, establishing clear governance, using AI to solve data problems, redesigning employee roles, and measuring enterprise-level outcomes.

Trillions going into AI, but are trillions being gained? Bain survey raises questions about AI returns

AI is reshaping tech hiring, and smaller companies may offer some of the best opportunities today.

PwC survey finds the more AI is deployed, the more distinctly human expertise is valued.

In recent months, we've been hearing industry leaders talk about how AI will wipe out jobs across the business landscape.

AI-powered startups are demonstrating a new, leaner operational model, requiring less human power. A Harvard Business School and INSEAD study reveals AI-native firms are 25% smaller than traditional startups, employing fewer entry-level workers and managers while maintaining comparable value. These companies, launched between 2020 and 2024, feature flatter hierarchies and prioritize engineers. Despite their smaller size, they secure similar funding and valuations, resulting in higher capital and valuation per employee. AI is primarily used to automate tasks, augment existing workers, or build foundational infrastructure. This trend suggests AI will reshape organizational structures beyond startups, potentially impacting entry-level job availability as companies increasingly rely on external AI capabilities.

Trillions going into AI, but are trillions being gained? Bain survey raises questions about AI returns

Technology professionals top every list of jobs threatened by AI, but, ironically, these are the people needed to conceive, build, and run the AI systems the business wants.