A new Milken Institute-Harris Poll reveals that 80% of Americans believe the federal government must act immediately to prepare workforce transition programs in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The poll highlights growing concerns among workers and businesses alike, with 68% of workers feeling abandoned in navigating the AI transition and 88% of business leaders stating that individual companies cannot address AI workforce readiness alone.
AI Disruption Accelerates
AI adoption is outpacing prior technological waves, with low deployment barriers enabling rapid spread through software rather than physical infrastructure. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that over 60% of jobs in advanced economies are exposed to AI, particularly white-collar roles in legal analysis, financial services, and software development. A Stanford study found that workers aged 22 to 25 in the most AI-exposed occupations have already seen a 16% drop in employment.
'Businesses and workers agree: a coordinated national response is essential,' says the Milken Institute-Harris Poll.
Workforce Demands
Workers are calling for specific policy measures, including wage insurance during transitions, free community college access to training, notice about upcoming layoffs, and public-private partnerships to coordinate transitions. However, current federal programs, designed for an industrial economy, fall short in addressing the needs of gig and contract workers during prolonged transitions, leaving many to finance their own healthcare, retirement, and training without adequate support.
As AI continues to reshape the labor market, Americans are clear: they want proactive government intervention to navigate this unprecedented economic shift. Without immediate action, the risks of job displacement and economic instability will only grow.