WHAT THE DATA SAY: 64% planning career change in next 2 years, often due to AI

WILL AI REPLACE ME?

The threat of AI taking over the workplace is leaving Americans unprepared and under-educated, according to our Harris Poll research with Instructure.

• 70% of employees feel unprepared for today's workforce (87% of Gen Z, 72% of Millennials, 65% of Gen X and 49% of Boomers).
• 73% feel unprepared to adapt to career disruptions in the next five years.
• 29% say automation already has changed their role.
• 32% think their skills wouldn't survive an economic downturn.
• 60% want to upskill.
• 50% are unsure which certifications or skills employers will actually value.
• 88% say more training would help career advancement.
• 64% plan to change jobs within the next two years.
• See also: Hands on with AI: Training and advice

THE RACE OF AI CX

A gap exists in how companies are using AI to improve the customer experience, according to Code and Theory's report with The Wall Street Journal.

• 94% of C Suite leaders say CX strategy contributes to business success.
• 93% say their digital CX needs improvement.
• 76% say they are behind on AI transformation.
• Less than half (44%) understand how to use AI to build customer relationships.
• Companies who have mastered digital CX strategies are generating 30% more revenue than those that aren't.
• 86% expect CX to become a top-tier investment priority.

RISE OF AMBITIOUS WOMEN

Women leaders no longer conform to a traditional career growth model as they redefine what ambition and success look like, according to our Harris Poll report with Chief.

• 92% of senior women leaders are energized by professional growth ahead.
• 61% believe they're at their peak power now or will be in the next five years.
• 86% say they're more ambitious now than five years ago.
• 83% say the old linear career model doesn't work for them.
• 82% say traditional progression feels less reliable.
• 94% say being around ambitious women fuels their own drive.

STILL SHOPPING YET LESS SPENDING

Higher prices continue to affect American's shopping habits, according to our Harris Poll's QuestBrand Challenger Retail 2025 report.

• 61% of consumers have seen their grocery costs rise.
• 59% are bracing for higher costs, as 60% expect tariffs to push them up further.
• 43% plan to switch to lower-priced products.
• 26% will switch retailers.
• 35% of shoppers are Millennials, 9.2 points higher than Gen Z, who makes up the next largest buying group.
• Gen Z are more likely than Boomers (29% versus 22%) to buy second-hand.
• See also: The Price of Connection: How Americans Are Travelling Smarter This Holiday Season

CANDY CHAMPIONS

Halloween ads affect consumer candy buying patterns this season, according to The Marketing Cloud's 2025 Halloween Ad Champions Report.

• Consumers' Halloween spirit is strong: 57% buy candy for trick-or-treaters, 53% watch Halloween movies or specials, and 51% decorate their home or yard.
• The top candies being purchased this year are Reese's, M&M's, KitKat, Hershey's and Snickers.

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