AI is reshaping agency hiring
The industry is splitting: only ~27% of SMBs in North America currently use AI while 'power users' pull ahead — and the last year saw roughly 55,000 AI-attributed layoffs as companies retool roles. Brands now want 'machine-readable' assets and production partners who can deliver modular, AI-friendly creative and measurable outcomes. ( )
Anthropic’s March 24, 2026 Economic Index shows earlier Claude adopters use the model as a “thought partner,” driving more sophisticated, task-level gains than newer users. (anthropic.com) Anthropic’s public dashboard ranks Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Washington state, New York and California as the U.S. leaders in Claude usage per capita. (anthropic.com) Fiverr announced a restructure in September 2025 that cut roughly 250 roles — about 30% of its staff — as the company repositioned toward an “AI‑first” operating model under CEO Micha Kaufman. (engadget.com) Diageo has built a virtual content studio that uses tools including Pencil, Grip, CreativeX and Vizit to adapt work across markets, and the company has applied those AI workflows to campaigns for dozens of major brands. (campaignlive.com) Microsoft Advertising recommends tagging modular creative — headlines, images, CTAs and proof points — so AI can recombine components across Copilot answers, paid search, and social formats. (about.ads.microsoft.com) A joint agency study cited by Google and BCG found agencies are about 35% more advanced than advertisers on AI use cases, while just 42% of advertisers say their agency has educated them on AI marketing solutions. (business.google.com) JPMorgan’s industry briefing says brand pressure for measurable ROI is pushing agencies into build‑or‑buy decisions, with deal activity concentrated around connected TV, retail media and identity capabilities. (jpmorgan.com)
