Its happening – businesses are making decisions right now that impact people’s jobs, roles and conditions. Different companies, different industries… but the same story of workforce evolution under pressure. So, what have been the recent headlines…
1) Atlassian to cut roughly 10% of its workforce in pivot to AI
(Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/atlassian-lay-off-about-1600-people-pivot-ai-2026-03-11/ )
“Our approach is not ‘AI replaces people.’ But it would be disingenuous to pretend AI doesn’t change the mix of skills we need or the number of roles required in certain areas.” – Mike Cannon‑Brookes, CEO, Atlassian
A strategic repositioning of its workforce around the skills it believes will matter most in the future.
2) Australia’s WiseTech Global – plans to cut about 2,000 jobs amid AI overhaul
(Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/australias-wisetech-global-plans-2000-job-cuts-amid-ai-overhaul-2026-02-24/)
“The era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over.” – WiseTech Global CEO, on workforce changes linked to AI adoption.
A decision reflecting organisational belief, that routine tasks are increasingly automated, and that the workforce must reshape accordingly.
3) ALDI – Warehouse Workforce Agreements Changed Due To Regulatory Intervention: Fair Work Commission rewrites ALDI warehouse agreements.
Source: https://www.hcamag.com/au/specialisation/employment-law/fair-work-commission-rewrites-aldi-warehouse-deals-forces-fixed-rosters/562384
From the Fair Work Commission decision context:
The tribunal found that part‑time warehouse workers would not be better off under ALDI’s proposed arrangements because unpredictable hours prevented workers from planning their lives. This isn’t a layoffs announcement – it is evidence of organisational workforce change right now. ALDI’s operational model was challenged and altered because the way it organised work simply wasn’t sustainable for employees – forcing change at the enterprise level.
What These Three Stories Actually Show?
Despite different sectors – tech, software and retail – these organisational developments all point to the same pattern:
- Work isn’t disappearing – it’s being reshaped
- Roles are being redefined, not just eliminated
- Skills are becoming more central than job titles
- Regulatory and operational change is now part of workforce strategy
Even though the headlines are different, the underlying issue is the same story businesses keep facing – Workforce strategy must evolve ahead of change – not react afterward.
The Core Message to reiterate – It’s no longer about fearing job cuts. It’s about asking, are you evolving your workforce ahead of your strategy – or will you be scrambling to catch up later?
Now more than ever as leaders / business owners:
✔ Map how roles are shifting
✔ Understand which people can be retrained for future functions
✔ Design workforce plans before disruption arrives
Are your sure about your team members? Who is agile and can evolve with your business as it changes?
Artificial intelligence may transform parts of your business, but people strategy remains firmly in human hands.
For business leaders, the question is no longer whether AI will change the way work is done.
The question is how you plan your workforce and your strategy, to evolve alongside it.
To discuss your workforce strategy, book your call here
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author accepts no liability for any changes, loss, or damage arising from reliance on its content. Readers should seek independent legal advice and updates, before acting on any matter discussed in this document.