Some Employers Reportedly Opting for “Ghost Downsizing” Amid AI Layoffs
Amid a flurry of AI-related job cuts in 2026, a new study claims that “ghost downsizing” is on the rise.
Omni Calculator, a Polish technology and research company, found that some companies are leaving roles unfilled after staff departures while encouraging remaining employees to use AI to assist with the work left by the departed.
Our Job Change Guides for Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) break down everything that non-unionized workers need to know.
“On paper, employment looks stable [during a ghost downsizing], but in practice, the people who remain are doing more with less while their leaders, officially, say nothing has changed. Because nothing, officially, did,” the firm said in its report on the findings.
“The people facing [a] ghost downsizing have no announcement to point to, no restructuring plan to reference, no headline that describes what their working day has become.”
The study comes as more workers are experiencing “layoff anxiety” as employers continue to integrate AI into their operations.
SEE ALSO
• More Workers Could Share Negative Layoff Experiences Online, Report Warns
• AI-Adverse Tech Workers Face Triple the Layoff Risk, Study Warns
• Canadian Employers “Underestimated” AI Oversight, Rehiring Staff in 2026
• Canada Unveils AI Plan, Pledges Tens of Thousands of Jobs by 2031
Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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