AI-Written Layoffs: Survey Reveals Workplace Communication Crisis

TL;DR: New research shows nearly one in four employees use AI daily for workplace emails, whilst 41% of managers admit using AI to draft performance reviews and 17% for layoff emails. The findings raise concerns about authenticity and emotional impact in sensitive workplace communications.

ZeroBounce has released survey findings from 1,000 U.S. professionals revealing widespread AI adoption in workplace communications, including during high-stakes moments such as performance reviews and terminations. The research, published in September 2025, highlights a growing divide between automation efficiency and human compassion in professional settings.

Context and Background

The survey found that 24% of employees use AI daily for drafting or editing workplace emails, with technology workers leading at 34% adoption. More concerning is that 26% of employees suspect they have received an AI-written performance review, whilst 16% of those who have been laid off suspect their termination email was AI-generated.

Managers showed significant reliance on AI tools, with over two in five (41%) admitting they have used AI to draft or revise performance reviews. Additionally, 17% of managers reported using AI to draft or revise layoff emails, with technology sector managers most likely to do so at 26%.

The emotional toll appears substantial: 19% of employees who suspected receiving AI-written communications for performance warnings or layoffs reported crying after reading them, with millennials most affected at 22%.

Looking Forward

Whilst 52% of employees report that AI makes them more confident in workplace writing, the research reveals troubling dependencies. Eight per cent of employees feel incapable of writing emails due to overreliance on AI tools, rising to 10% amongst millennials. During recent AI outages, 10% of employees either delayed or completely abandoned sending email responses.

The findings suggest a fundamental tension between efficiency and empathy in workplace communications. Although 40% of employees believe sensitive emails should never be AI-assisted, 56% think some AI help can improve clarity when paired with human personalisation.

Source Attribution:

Share this article