AI & the Future of Work: Just Capital CEO on How Americans Feel About AI

Martin Whittaker, CEO of JUST Capital, has shared insights on the future of work in the AI era.

He emphasized a divide between corporate/investor optimism and public skepticism, while advocating for responsible AI deployment to benefit workers and society.

In a December 2025 CNBC Squawk Box interview discussing JUST Capital’s latest survey on American attitudes toward AI:

• Whittaker highlights significant public concerns about job displacement and workplace disruptions caused by AI.
• He notes that while investors are highly optimistic (e.g., 96% believe AI will boost worker productivity), the general public is far more cautious (only about 47% share that view, with roughly 48% expecting net job losses).
• A strong majority of Americans (81%) want business leaders to take the lead on ethical and responsible AI implementation to build trust and ensure broader benefits.

Whittaker frames this within JUST Capital’s broader mission: using public priorities to guide companies toward “just” practices that align capitalism with the needs of all stakeholders, including workers. He stresses that AI’s potential for productivity gains and economic growth must be managed transparently and equitably, with corporations earning public confidence through ethical deployment rather than prioritizing short-term efficiency alone.

Overall, Whittaker views the AI-driven future of work as one requiring proactive corporate leadership to mitigate risks like job loss, upskill workers, and distribute gains fairly—turning potential disruptions into opportunities for a more inclusive economy.

Survey

JUST Capital released its inaugural American Public, Investor, and Executive Perspectives on Responsible AI Deployment report in late 2025, based on surveys conducted between September and November 2025 in partnership with The Harris Poll, Robinhood Foundation, and Gerson Lehrman Group.

The research compares views from the American public, institutional investors/analysts, and corporate executives on AI’s societal impact, workplace effects, and responsible deployment. JUST Capital plans quarterly pulse surveys through 2026 and beyond to track evolving sentiments.

Key Findings on AI’s Overall Societal Impact

• Corporate executives: 93% believe AI will have a net positive impact on society in the next five years.
• Investors: 80% share this view.
• General public: Only 58% believe AI will have a net positive societal impact.

The report describes an overall “net positive story” around AI but highlights significant gaps in optimism.

Key Findings on the Future of Work and Job Impacts

• Widespread public concern about swift job displacement: Nearly half of the general public believes AI will replace workers and lead to net job losses.
• Worker productivity:
  • 98% of corporate leaders and 94–96% of investors believe AI will have a net positive impact on worker productivity.
  • Only 47% of the general public agrees.
• The survey underscores public fears of workplace disruptions, with many expecting direct consequences like job cuts from rapid AI adoption.

Other Notable Areas

• AI safety investment: Alignment here—roughly 60% of investors and 50% of the public say companies should spend more than 5% of AI budgets on safety; 59% of corporate leaders say up to 5%.
• Environmental concerns: Over 40% of corporate leaders admit environmental impacts (e.g., energy/water use for data centers) are not factored into AI strategies, contrasting with public worries.
• Broader context: Top AI companies often lack public disclosures on safety spending or worker upskilling.

CEO Martin Whittaker discussed these results on CNBC’s Squawk Box (December 9, 2025), emphasizing the need for ethical, transparent AI deployment to bridge the optimism gap and ensure benefits reach workers. The full report and ongoing tracking aim to guide companies toward “just” AI practices that prioritize stakeholders, including equitable job transitions and upskilling. For the complete report, visit JUST Capital’s site.