An intriguing shift is emerging in the American workforce: a notable segment of the population is expressing willingness to be managed by artificial intelligence.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll, released on Monday, reveals that 15% of Americans would accept a role where an AI program serves as their direct supervisor, responsible for task assignment and scheduling. This comprehensive survey, conducted between March 19 and 23, 2026, involved 1,397 U.S. adults and delved into various aspects of AI, including adoption rates, public trust, and concerns regarding job security.
While the majority of respondents indicated a preference for human management over an AI people manager, the integration of artificial intelligence into supervisory functions is steadily increasing, even in capacities that don't involve direct oversight of entire human teams.
Indeed, several prominent companies are already implementing AI in roles traditionally held by managers. Workday, for instance, has introduced AI agents capable of filing and approving expense reports for employees. Amazon has integrated new AI-driven workflows to assume certain middle management responsibilities, resulting in thousands of managerial layoffs. Even at Uber, engineers developed an AI model of CEO Dara Khosrowshahi to screen pitches before they reach the actual chief executive.
This widespread adoption of AI to streamline management layers is being dubbed "The Great Flattening" by some observers. This trend suggests a future where we might witness the emergence of "billion-dollar companies of one," characterized by fully automated operational staff and executive functions.
However, this technological evolution is met with considerable apprehension regarding its impact on job prospects. The Quinnipiac survey highlighted that a significant majority—70% of respondents—anticipate that advancements in AI will result in a reduction of job opportunities for humans. Furthermore, among currently employed Americans, 30% expressed either significant or moderate concern that AI could render their specific jobs obsolete.
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