Artificial intelligence (AI) professionals in India are expressing high levels of anxiety regarding job security, challenging the common assumption that roles directly involved in building AI infrastructure offer immunity from corporate restructuring. Despite aggressive investments in automation and machine learning across industries, those developing the technology report feeling notably vulnerable.

As per a report by The Indian Express, a survey conducted by the anonymous professional networking platform Blind sampled 1,552 technology workers in India. The data revealed that 66 per cent of artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists expect significant headcount reductions or layoffs within their teams over the next three to six months, trailing only sales and marketing personnel. Meta Layoffs Discussed: CEO Mark Zuckerberg Addresses 4 AM Job Cuts During Earnings Call.

Departmental Sentiments and Vulnerability
The study highlights a stark contrast in sentiment across different professional domains within the technology sector. Product and design teams shared similar anxieties, with 65 per cent of respondents anticipating team cuts.

In contrast, software engineering and data analytics professionals demonstrated greater confidence, perceiving themselves to be in a more stable position despite the widespread rise of generative automation tools.

Perceptions of stability also varied considerably between multinational corporations and domestic firms. Employees at multinational enterprise software and payments enterprises reported the highest degree of apprehension, whereas domestic software and SaaS companies displayed significantly higher workplace confidence. Etsy Layoffs: 220 Jobs Reduced by E-Commerce Giant in Major Restructuring Plan.

Indirect Warning Signs of Layoffs
Rather than relying on official corporate announcements, employees are increasingly tracking subtle organisational shifts to gauge job security. According to the findings, hiring freezes and budget reductions serve as the primary warning indicators for anxious workers, followed by project cancellations and an increased reliance on performance improvement plans.