Artificial intelligence, layoffs, and the reconfiguration of work:

What does HP’s announcement signals for the global labor market and Costa Rica

The race toward artificial intelligence has moved beyond being a purely technological issue and has become a decisive factor in financial, operational, and workforce reengineering. HP’s recent announcementanticipates a reduction of between 4,00. The race toward artificial intelligence has evolved from being solely a technological issue to a critical factor influencing financial, operational, and workforce restructuring. HP recently announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 4,000 to 6,000 jobs by 2028. This decision is not a response to an immediate crisis; instead, it reflects a structural shift in how companies operate, compete, and utilize talent within the global technology industry.0 and 6,000 jobs worldwide by 2028, does not stem from an immediate crisis, but rather from a structural shift in how companies produce, compete, and employ talent in the global technology industry.

Far from being an isolated case, this decision aligns with similar moves by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, confirming a clear trend: AI is not eliminating companies; it is redefining which jobs remain viable. Instead of being an isolated case, this decision aligns with similar actions by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, confirming a clear trend: AI is not eliminating companies; it is redefining which jobs remain viable. At Amazon, confirming a clear trend: AI is not eliminating companies—it is redefining which jobs remain viable.

1. Global perspective: not a crisis, but a strategic transition

HP remains profitable and operationally relevant. In its most recent quarter, the company reported revenues of US$14.64 billion (a 4.2% year-over-year increase) and net income of US$795 million. However, profits declined compared to the prior year and fell short of market expectations.

This combination, a profitable compaThis situation, a profitable company facing margin pressure, explains the strategic direction. Any under margin pressure explains the strategic direction:

• Heavy investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure
• Internal process automation to increase productivity
• Structural reduction of labor costs
• Partial transfer of technological costs to consumers through higher prices

In short, HP is not cutting jobs because it is struggling today, but because it is protecting its future competitiveness in a market where AI has become a mandatory cost of doing business, not an optional advantage.

2. Which jobs are most exposed to AI?

AI-driven automation does not affect all roles equally. Global patterns are consistent and allow for a precise risk classification.

Roles with high probability of automation

Positions characterized by repetitive, rules-based tasks with limited human judgment:

• First-level customer service
• Transactional back-office operations
• Data entry and validation
• Content moderation
• Standardized administrative support
• Basic programming or routine coding tasks

Roles with medium risk

Functions involving human interaction but operating within rigid structures:

• Basic operational analysis
• Administrative coordination
• Low-level technical support
• Standard reporting functions

Roles with lower risk

Positions where AI acts as an enabler rather than a replacement:

• Complex process management
• Strategic analysis
• Oversight and control of automated systems
• Data governance, compliance, risk, and ethics
• Leadership, decision-making, and cross-functional coordination

The key determinant is not the job title, but the level of human judgment required.

3. What does this mean for Costa Rica?

HP maintains active operations in Costa Rica, primarily within free trade zones in Heredia, and continues to recruit talent. In the short term, this creates a perception of stability.

However, the global announcement raises a clear medium-term warning signal.

Costa Rica has successfully positioned itself as a hub for:

• Shared services centers
• Regional support operations
• Transactional and back-office services

Ironically, these very services, when they fail to evolve, are the most exposed to AI-driven automation.

Costa Rica’s competitive advantage can no longer rely solely on efficiency, language skills, or relative labor cost. The new differentiators are analytical capability, complex process management, and human oversight of automated systems.

Costa Rica still has a window of opportunity—but that window is narrowing.

4. Contingency planning: what can employees do today?

Waiting is the worst strategy. Anticipation is the best one.

Short-term actions (6–12 months)

• Objectively assess whether your role is repetitive or easily automated
• Strengthen analytical, managerial, and professional judgment skills
• Participate in automation, process improvement, or digital transformation initiatives
• Make visible the value you bring beyond task execution

Medium-term actions (12–36 months)

• Transition toward higher-value roles
• Develop expertise in data analysis, process management, risk, and digital transformation
• Pursue internal and cross-functional mobility
• Build an internationally oriented professional network

The goal is not simply to “learn AI,” but to become the person who decides, validates, governs, or takes responsibility for AI-driven systems.

5. A warning for companies and leaders as well

The risk is not only job lossesbut also the loss of adaptable, forward-thinking talent who choose to leave first. Organizations that fail to support workforce transformation will face a double cost: poorly implemented automation and the erosion of critical human capital.

Conclusion

HP’s announcement confirms an uncomfortable but necessary reality:
Jobs do not disappear overnight; they are redistributed, specialized, and become more demanding.

For Costa Rica, the challenge is not to preserve jobs, but to increase the intellectual content of the work it offers to the world.
For individuals, the message is clear: stability no longer comes from a position; it comes from adaptability.

Artificial intelligence does not replace those who think, decide, and supervise.
It replaces those who only execute.

Jorge Gutiérrez Guillén
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Founder & Managing Partner – JGutierrez Auditors & Consultants
Financial Strategy, Control, and Business Transformation Advisor
Costa Rica | 🌐 consultoresjg.com

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