This Week in Hiring: AI’s Impact, Holiday Job Slump, and the Rise of Women CEOs

26%

Nearly 1 in 4 jobs (26%) posted on Indeed may “radically transform” due to generative AI, with white-collar roles like analysts and developers most at risk, while physical jobs remain safer. Studies show 19% of U.S. workers are in jobs highly exposed to AI, though experts say disruption so far is limited, with most industries adopting a hybrid model where AI augments 46% of job skills instead of fully replacing them.

500,000

Holiday hiring is set to hit a 16-year low, below 500,000 jobs, compared with 543,000 last year, as retailers delay recruitment amid tariffs and economic uncertainty. Amazon will add 250,000 workers, but companies like Bath & Body Works and Radial are cutting seasonal roles, while sales growth is expected to slow to 3–3.6% this year.

19,000

U.S. job openings edged up by 19,000 to 7.23 million in August 2025, led by gains in health care, leisure, and retail. Openings dropped in construction (-115,000) and federal jobs (-61,000), while hires and separations held steady at 5.1 million, with quits at 3.1 million and layoffs at 1.7 million.

32,000

The U.S. private sector shed 32,000 jobs in September 2025, according to the ADP report, signaling a softer labor market. The Labor Department’s weekly jobless claims were delayed due to the government shutdown, leaving ADP data as the key snapshot of employment trends.

18%

Women CEOs are rising as leaders in AI adoption, making up 18% of Fortune’s AIQ 50 list compared to just 11% in the Fortune 500 overall. Leaders like Progressive’s Tricia Griffith and Centene’s Sarah London are driving AI innovation across industries, showing how inclusive leadership is shaping the future of work.