One in three Maryland workers has no confidence their employers will protect them from replacement by artificial intelligence, according to new research released by workforce solutions provider Careerminds.
The survey of 3,005 workers nationwide, which included Maryland respondents, found that 81 percent of Maryland workers believe the federal government should enact a law explicitly protecting employees from AI-driven job loss. Careerminds published the findings in March 2026.
Workers expressed strongest support for human review of all major decisions influenced by AI, with 40 percent ranking it as the top priority in a potential federal “AI Worker Bill of Rights.” Transparency about AI use ranked second at 30 percent, followed by guaranteed retraining options at 10 percent, guaranteed compensation or notice before replacement at 10 percent, and limits on AI surveillance at 10 percent.
A strong majority, 82 percent, said companies should be required to offer retraining when AI rollout puts jobs at risk. Eighty-four percent said employers should face a legal requirement to disclose any use of AI in hiring, promotions or performance evaluations.
Sixty-four percent of respondents suspect AI has already influenced a decision about their job, such as hiring, promotion, scheduling or evaluation. When asked about comfort with AI monitoring tools that track activity like screen time or keystrokes, 30 percent said they are very comfortable and 24 percent somewhat comfortable. Twenty-four percent reported feeling uncomfortable and 22 percent very uncomfortable.
The top worries centered on job security and oversight. Thirty-two percent fear being quietly replaced by AI, and 30 percent worry about constant AI monitoring of their work. Twenty-six percent expressed concern that AI could unfairly screen them out of job applications, while 12 percent cited worries about AI decisions in performance reviews.
Responses on future vulnerability split sharply. Twenty-eight percent believe it is very likely their job will be replaced by AI in the next five years, and 14 percent said somewhat likely. Thirty-eight percent said it is not very likely, and 20 percent said not likely at all.
Amanda Augustine, certified professional career coach and resident career expert for Careerminds, stated, “Workers aren’t anti-technology; rather, they’re anti-uncertainty. Most people understand that AI is going to play a bigger role at work. What they really want is clarity about how it’s being used, some guardrails around the decisions that affect their careers, and a fair chance to reskill or retrain if their role starts to change. Right now, a lot of employees feel like the rules are still being written while they’re already living with the consequences.”
Current protections remain limited to state-level measures. Illinois’ HB 3773, effective January 1, 2026, requires employers to disclose when AI is used in hiring or employment decisions. Maryland has no equivalent statewide mandate for private employers, though state government initiatives address workforce impacts.
A 2025 study from the Maryland State Innovation Team found that about 40 percent of Maryland’s workforce faces high automation risk, the highest share of any state. Occupations in accounting, financial analysis and computer systems analysis rank among those most exposed.
The Maryland Department of Labor announced a $4 million plan in early 2026 to train workers amid AI developments, focusing on skills development and pathways into future jobs. Southern Maryland’s economy, with significant federal, military, health care and education employment in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, includes roles that could face both disruption and new opportunities from AI adoption.
Local employers in the region operate in sectors such as defense contracting, logistics near Joint Base Andrews and Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and growing biotechnology and cybersecurity clusters. These industries already integrate AI tools, raising questions about training needs for the regional workforce.
Careerminds specializes in outplacement, career transition, job architecture and talent development. The organization combines technology with one-on-one coaching to support employees through workforce changes.
The survey results arrive as Maryland leaders discuss workforce preparation. State officials have emphasized investing in skills, training and responsible AI use rather than broad replacement protections.
No federal “AI Worker Bill of Rights” exists. Proposals at the national level remain under discussion without enacted legislation matching the priorities outlined by surveyed workers.
Southern Maryland residents employed in government, education and service sectors may find the findings relevant given the region’s mix of stable public jobs and private-sector roles vulnerable to automation. The data highlight demand for transparency and retraining as AI tools expand in daily work processes.
Careerminds conducted the survey to gauge employee sentiment on AI adoption. Full results appear in the organization’s “Workforce Resilience in the AI Era” research.
The findings add to broader national conversations about balancing technological advancement with worker protections. Maryland’s high automation risk ranking underscores the need for targeted regional strategies in Southern Maryland.
