Randstad’s AI‑Focused Survey Reveals Growing Concerns Among Young Workers

Randstad NV, the global professional services firm that places temporary employees across a broad spectrum of industries, has released the results of a new survey that highlights a sharp rise in anxiety among younger workers about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on employment. The data, sourced from a panel distributed via Randstad’s own platform, shows that a majority of respondents aged 18 to 29 are worried that AI will replace jobs in which they are most likely to be employed, such as secretarial, administrative, and entry‑level technical roles.

The survey, published on 20 January 2026, comes at a time when AI adoption is accelerating across Europe. In Luxembourg, Randstad’s local report indicates that despite an overall labour‑market confidence boost driven by AI integration, less than half of the talent pool shares the optimistic outlook of employers. This divergence points to a widening skills gap and the perception that AI will disproportionately affect lower‑skill positions.

Global Context: AI as a “Tsunami” in the Labor Market

Randstad’s findings dovetail with broader market observations. CNBC’s coverage of the AI wave in early 2026 described the technology as “like a tsunami,” with significant layoffs already underway. Global leaders, including IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, have acknowledged AI’s role in economic growth while warning of the accompanying anxieties. Randstad’s data, therefore, offers a concrete, employee‑centric view of what the macro‑level headlines have been projecting.

Market Sentiment and Share Price Dynamics

The company’s shares have shown resilience amid the AI debate. On 18 January 2026, Randstad’s closing price stood at €28.90, just above the 52‑week low of €28.86, and well below the peak of €44.34 reached in July 2025. With a market capitalization of roughly €5.24 billion and a price‑to‑earnings ratio of 101.77, the firm’s valuation reflects investor expectations that AI will ultimately expand the demand for flexible staffing solutions, even as it reshapes the types of roles available.

Forward‑Looking Perspective

Randstad’s data suggests that while AI adoption is accelerating, the firm’s core competency—matching talent to demand—positions it well to adapt. The growing concern among young workers underscores a need for upskilling initiatives and reskilling programs that the company can leverage. By investing in AI‑friendly training pipelines, Randstad can not only retain its talent pool but also capitalize on the increasing demand for AI‑augmented workforce solutions.

In sum, Randstad’s recent survey confirms that AI is reshaping the labor market in palpable ways. The firm’s strategic focus on bridging the skills gap and its robust positioning in the staffing sector should continue to drive its long‑term growth trajectory, even as the industry navigates the complexities of an AI‑driven future.