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With a new season of mass layoffs upon us, it seems corporate America has found a new scapegoat. When Amazon recently disclosed that upcoming layoffs would impact 14,000 corporate jobs, the tech giant said the cuts would help make Amazon leaner. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology weve seen since the internet, and it’s enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before, HR leader Beth Galetti said in a memo. (Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has since clarified that the layoffs are driven by culture, not AI or the bottom line.) Other tech companies like Microsoft have trimmed headcount this year to the tune of over 15,000 layoffs, all the while sinking billions of dollars into AI investments. “To deliver on our mission, we need to stay focused on our three business priorities: security, quality, and AI transformation,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told employees after a significant round of layoffs in July. “We are doubling down on the fundamentals while continuing to define new frontiers in AI.” Corporate behemoths like Target and UPS have made significant cuts to their workforce in recent months while framing AI as a key component of efforts to turn around their business. The layoffs at Target are the first major cuts to its workforce in a decade, eliminating 1,800 corporate roles; UPS, on the other hand, has slashed 48,000 jobs over the course of the year, most of which have targeted drivers and warehouse workers. Incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke has shared that one of his key priorities is to “more fully use technology to improve our speed, guest experience and efficiency throughout the business. During an earnings call last month, CEO Carol Tomé noted that UPS would make fewer seasonal hires and cut back on vehicle leases, and that “much of this efficiency is powered by automation.” The past month has seen an uptick in layoffs across the business world: Over 150,000 jobs were cut in October alone, according to a tally by the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmasthe most in October since 2003. Artificial intelligence was one of the most common explanations for layoffs, a close second to the usual excuse of reducing costs. All this has fueled concerns that AI is, in fact, coming for your jobperhaps sooner than you anticipated. But experts say there is little data to support this narrative, despite what the recent job cuts might suggest. In this Premium story, readers will learn: – Why so many companies are blaming AI for their layoffs – What’s really going on with the labor marketand whether your job is at stake – How AI may actually impact the way you work The AI meltdown Statements from CEOs are about the worst way to evaluate the impact of AI on the labor market, says Martha Gimbel, executive director of the Budget Lab at Yale University. Gimbel coauthored a recent analysis with the Brookings Institution and the Budget Lab, which found that the rise of generative AI has had little effect on the labor market so far: In the three years since ChatGPT launched to the public, the share of workers in jobs that are most vulnerable to disruption has remained more or less unchanged. Unemployment figures also support these findings, with little indication that AI is displacing workersat least not yet. In fact, the analysis shows that adoption of AI has been fairly comparable to how previous new technologies, like computers and the internet, permeated the workplace. I think that’s surprising to the public, and it’s surprising given the tenor of the conversation, says Brookings senior fellow Molly Kinder, who also worked on the report. But it’s really not surprising when you think of how hard it is to implement this in the workplace. There’s a really big gap between how fast the technology itself is going and the messy, slower pace of workplaces figuring out how to use it beyond a pilot. There are, of course, legitimate fears about how AI can (and will) upend the way we work. Public opinion polling indicates that few Americansjust around 15%believe the technology will have a positive impact in the coming years, while 64% of the general public expects to see job losses due to AI. But Gimbel posits those concerns may be overshadowing the real dynamics of the labor market and perpetuating a misleading narrative. I think everyone is so freaked out about AIand they are so itchy that if there is the phrase layoffs and the phrase AI within two miles of each other, everyone has a meltdown, she says. I get why this is so stressful to people. But the cart is not just before the horse. The haystack is eight miles in front of the horse. The (more complex, more boring) truth So what should we make of claims that AI is catalyzing a seismic shift across the workforce? For starters, Big Tech is no stranger to mass layoffs. Even when the tech industry does make major cuts, however, they account for just a fraction of layoffs across the labor market, according to experts. Gimbel points out that the U.S. has about 1.7 million layoffs and discharges each month, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is a lot of attention that goes to layoffs in Silicon Valley for a range of reasons, she says, but we should not kid ourselves about how big these layoffs are in the context of the broader U.S. economy. Tech companies are also prone to overhiring and then culling the ranks when the economy takes a turn, as has been the case across the industry since the pandemic. For some of those companiesincluding Microsoft and Amazonlayoffs are also the result of a desire to eliminate middle managers, who certainly cant be supplanted with AI at the moment, Kinder says. There’s no question in my mind that Amazon will look for labor-saving possibilities, she explains, but it’s not obvious to me that AI right now is good enough to replace middle management. (Amazon told Fast Company the layoffs were a continuation of the companys efforts to reduce bureaucracy and that the vast majority of cuts were not connected to AI.) In fact, Kinder believes companies and business leaders are doing themselves a disservice by suggesting AI is driving layoffs or that emplyees’ jobs might be at risk if they don’t get up to speed on the technology. “There’s a very strong business case for why you shouldn’t just scare the pants off of your employees,” she says. “The way that companies are choosing to lead on this is really anti-worker, in my view.” Given the hype around generative AI, Kinder argues that many employers are scrambling to keep up and want to look like theyre innovating. It makes companies look good to their shareholders, to suggest we are deploying AI so well [that] we are now cutting our labor costs, she says. CEOs are looking over their shoulder saying, Oh, my gosh. How is it that my competitors have figured out how to cut a bunch of their staff? I haven’t figured out those efficiency gains yet. Meanwhile, leading tech companies are personally invested in widespread AI adoption. These are companies who are in the business of selling these services, Kinder adds. It’s entirely possible that AI really is part of the story, but I think we need to have a dose of skepticism about some of the motivations they have for being so loud and proud. Real disruption Thats not to say AI has had no impact, or that it is not already reshaping certain jobs. Klarna was among the first companies to openly talk about how embracing AI had enabled hundreds of job cuts; in May, CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski disclosed that Klarna had reduced its headcount by 40%, in part due to AI. (Its worth noting that Klarna had slowed hiring overall and was gearing up for an IPOand in the months since, Siemiatkowski admitted that “in a world of AI, nothing will be as valuable as humans” and reportedly reshuffled employees to fill customer service roles.) Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff claimed the company was able to cut 4,000 customer service roles because of its AI-powered chatbots, and that Salesforce relies on AI for up to 50% of its work. Tripadvisor is laying off 20% of its staff as part of a restructuring that will lean more heavily on AI. And just last month, YouTube started offering voluntary buyouts amid a restructuring that will enable the company to devote more resources to AI innovation. There are also signs that entry-level jobs may be under siege amid rapid advances in AI, particularly in industries like tech and finance where there is a high rate of adoption. A recent paper from Stanford Universitys Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence found that early-career workers in jobs that are most vulnerable to AI disruptionsoftware engineering and customer service, for examplehave seen a 13% decline in employment since late 2022. (Employment rates for other entry level jobs, however, remain unchanged or continue to grow.) Its also difficult to quantify how AI is changing the nature of jobs, Gimbel says, even if those jobs are not being eliminated outright. AI could replace or heavily augment HR roles and other back office functions, and its already clear that the technology is transforming fields like software engineering. But many economists and other experts believe its unlikely that AI is the driving force behind the mass layoffs that are currently underway, particularly at big tech companiessomething that Jassy himself acknowledged this week. The real explanation is, perhaps, less interesting. A real rush to ascribe everything to AI Target, for example, has faced consumer boycotts and backlash this year over its retreat from DEI. But its financial woes predate those issues. Many companies, including UPS, have been hit hard by tariffs. (Target and UPS did not respond to requests for comment.) Under the Trump administration, the business world has to contend with larger macroeconomic forces, between the tariffs and policy uncertainty. There’s a real rush to ascribe everything to AI, Gimbel says. If you asked me what was the biggest headwind facing the labor market right now, I would not list AI. My number-one issue for the labor market would be immigration. In the current climate, it may not be politically expedient for CEOs to call attention to the real challenges that are driving layoffs and turmoil across their workforce. AI might be a more convenient excuse for layoffs, and one that may bear out as companies figure out what to do with it. But there is not yet enough clarity on how AI can be most effectively harnessed by businesses, despite what leadersparticularly those in Silicon Valleymight say about the technologys potential to revolutionize work. I want to be clear: It is not the case that there are no uses for the technology, Gimbel says. It is not the case that there are no companies who have figured out how to monetize it. It is not the case that no worker has lost their job to generative AI in the U.S. I’m saying when you look at the current macro economy, there is not a sign that it’s really having any kind of major impact right now. That is partly because people are just not thinking about what it takes for companies to incorporate new technology: It takes time.
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E-Commerce
Its not the coolest phrase in the world to utter, but here goes: I love Windows. Maybe you do too. Maybe you dont, but youre forced to use it for work. Whatever the case, for all its positives, Microsoft Windows also bundles in a handful of tools that are either bafflingly archaic or simply underpowered for the demands of the modern user. The good news? The best things in life are often free, and it’s never been easier to swap out some of Windows default bloat for great free replacements. Here are five that are worth the download. Trade File Explorer for Files The native File Explorer has received a facelift and tabs, sure, but it still feels sluggish and lacks modern organizational features, and navigating between multiple locations is still clunky. Its a glorified folder viewer. Say hello to Files. This is the file manager Windows should have right now. It’s gorgeous, embracing the sleek Fluent Design of Windows 11 and, more importantly, it features a dual-pane view for dragging files between locations like a pro. It also supports file tagging, so you can stop relying on rigid folder hierarchies and start organizing your documents with custom, color-coded tags. And the chefs kiss: integration with popular cloud drive services. Trade Windows Search for Everything You hit the search bar, type in the name of a file you know is there, and then watch the little dots dance. Windows Search indexing is notoriously slow and resource-heavy. Instead, try Everything by Voidtools. Instead of indexing file contents, this utility indexes only the file and folder names on your drives. The result is pure speed. You start typing, and the results appear instantly. If you know the name of the file you want, Everything will find it before youve finished the first syllable. Trade the Snipping Tool for ShareX The built-in Snipping Tool gets the job done if the job is “take a picture and save it.” But what if you need to capture a scrolling window, annotate with arrows, and instantly upload the image to a shareable link? Thats where ShareX shines. This open-source utility turns a simple screenshot into a complete workflow. After you capture your region (with advanced options like scrolling capture), ShareX can automatically upload it to dozens of online services, shorten the link, and copy that link to your clipboard. It eliminates the manual steps of saving, opening the browser, and uploading. It’s a massive productivity multiplier. Trade Notepad for Notepad++ Notepad is a fossil: a blank canvas that knows how to hold text and nothing else. Its great for pure simplicity, but utterly useless for anything that requires even a basic level of efficiency, like viewing source code or editing config files. Notepad++ isnt just a better text editor; its a standard utility for developers and power users. It offers tabbed document viewing, syntax highlighting for dozens of languages, and incredibly powerful search-and-replace functionality. It manages large files beautifully and supports the kinds of macros and plug-ins that make working with text-based data infinitely smoother. Trade Sound Recorder for Audacity Windows current Sound Recorder is strictly for capturing audio: a basic, single-track utility with zero editing capability. If you want to trim the beginning, remove background noise, or layer tracks, youre out of luck. The godfather of free, open-source audio editing, Audacity is a full-fledged,multitrack digital audio workstation (DAW) that costs zero dollars. You can record, edit, mix, and convert audio with a vast library of free effects and tools. Whether youre cutting an interview clip, cleaning up a podcast recording, or digitizing an old cassette, Audacity offers pro-level features that blow the built-in Windows recorder out of the water.
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E-Commerce
American agriculture is facing a crisis. The average U.S. farmer is nearly 60, and according to American Farmland Trust research, we are losing farmland at a rate of more than 2,000 acres per day. Yet, consumer demand for organic and regenerative food continues to climb, creating an urgent need. This is not just an agricultural issue. It is an economic and cultural challenge with profound implications for our food security, our environment, and our communities. If we step back, the problem reveals an opportunity: Farming must be reimagined as a viable, purposeful career for people who may never have considered it before. Tomorrows farmers may not grow up on farms at all. They may be transitioning professionals, entrepreneurs, or military veterans looking for ways to serve their country at home. AGRICULTURE AND FARMING AS A MODERN CALLING For too long, farming has been portrayed as a profession in decline. However, regenerative and organic agriculture offer a different, innovative vision. They represent an economy of renewal through restoring soil, rebuilding ecosystems, and creating healthier food systems. For individuals searching for meaning in their work, farming provides something rare in todays economy: the ability to see the tangible impact of labor. Planting a seed, nurturing it into food, and feeding a community is deeply rewarding. Unlike many modern jobs, farming ties daily effort to a long-term purpose. A NEW MISSION One group for whom this opportunity has been especially powerful is U.S. military veterans. Each November, we pause as a nation to honor their service and sacrifice. But what happens after the parades and tributes fade? For too many, the transition from service to civilian life brings challengesfinding meaningful work, reconnecting with a sense of purpose, and healing from the wounds of battle. At Rodale Institute, we believe regenerative organic agriculture can be part of the solution. In 2016, we launched the Veteran Farmer Training Program to provide a full-time, hands-in-the-soil experience for service members transitioning into agriculture. On our 400-acre certified organic research farm in Pennsylvania, veterans learn about soil health, crop rotation, livestock management, equipment operation, and business planning. Just as importantly, they rediscover community and mission. The connection between military service and farming runs deep. Historically, returning soldiers often found grounding and renewal in working the land. Farming offers more than a paycheck. It provides structure, purpose, and a tangible way to continue serving others by feeding communities. For example, Josh, a U.S. Army veteran, served multiple tours overseas and struggled with depression after leaving the military. Through the Institutes farmer training program, he not only learned to grow food organically, but he also found a new calling. Today, he runs a small vegetable farm that supplies fresh produce to local food banks and markets. As another example, Erika, a former Marine Corps logistics officer, came to the Institute with no prior farming experience but a passion for sustainability. After completing training, she joined a regenerative farm and now mentors other veterans looking to enter the field. These stories highlight something bigger than a career shift. Farming becomes a way to support veterans in reconnecting with themselves, their communities, and the land. A BUSINESS CASE FOR FARMING CAREERS The need for new farmers is not limited to veterans. Teachers, engineers, and corporate professionals have also found purpose in regenerative organic agriculture. But to broaden the pipeline, we must lower barriers: access to land, training, financing, and markets. This is where business leaders should pay attention. A resilient food system underpins every sector of our economy. Without healthy soil and secure domestic food production, long-term prosperity is at risk. Veterans, alongside others making the transition into farming, bring leadership, resilience, and discipline, exactly the qualities needed to transform our food system. Supporting new farmers can take many forms: sourcing from regenerative organic farms, investing in training programs, or shaping supply chains that prioritize soil health. Each action strengthens not just agriculture, but the foundation of our economy. A CALL TO ACTION Ive had the privilege of meeting many people, who like me, left behind one life to answer the call of the land. Each of us carries different reasons, but the same longing: to heal, to grow, to give. What started as my personal leap of faith is now a shared movement, with roots spreading far beyond what we first imagined. We are returning to the farm like never before. We are waking up to how disconnected we are from our food system. We are leaving our jobs and careers to reorient our lives around food, whether thats growing it, distributing it, or working in advocacy, financing, or education. This Veterans Month, lets go beyond gratitude and invest in opportunity. Support a veteran-owned farm. Invest in the transition of organic farmland. Partner with organizations preparing the next generation of farmers. The crisis in agriculture is real, but so is the opportunity. Farming can be a modern calling, a path to renewal for both the land and the people who work it. When we acknowledge farming as a career of dignity and innovation, everyone benefits: our veterans, our food system, and our shared future. Jeff Tkach is CEO of Rodale Institute.
Category:
E-Commerce
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