IRemember when everyone was predicting that AI would replace millions of workers? Well, some companies are having second thoughts.

As a recent Korn Ferry article explores, businesses are reconsidering the rush to replace employees with technology. The article cites a 2026 survey of 2,000 hiring managers that found that nearly one-third had eliminated a position because of AI, only to later rehire someone for the same or a similar role.

Turns out, AI can do a lot of things—but it can't do everything.

The research on this issue is stunning. For example, a 2026 Gartner survey found that 85% of customer service leaders are actually expanding humanemployees’ responsibilities, as AI takes over routine tasks. Meanwhile, another Gartner study found that 87% of customers believe it’s essential to have access to a human representative when interacting with AI-powered customer service systems. And then there’s this showstopping statistic: 86% of employers in insurance and pensions management expect creative thinking skills to become increasingly valuable by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum.

Think about that. As AI becomes more sophisticated, the insurance industry is placing greater importance on distinctly human capabilities.

It makes sense. Imagine a seasoned underwriter who recognizes an unusual risk that doesn't fit neatly into an algorithm. Or a claims professional who draws on decades of experience to resolve a complicated situation. These professionals bring judgment, creativity, and perspective that technology alone can’t replicate. For insurance leaders, the takeaway isn’t to resist AI. It’s to use it strategically while preserving the human expertise that makes organizations successful.

At WAHVE, we’ve always understood the value of experience. Our seasoned insurance professionals bring specialized knowledge, problem-solving skills, and decades of practical expertise to businesses that need them.

Because the future of insurance isn’t about choosing between technology and people. It’s about recognizing that the smartest organizations need—and need to know how to leverage—both.