Minimum Wage Increases Could Result in Pay Raises, Layoffs, AI Adoption [Video]

The minimum wage has increased for workers in 25 states this year, potentially providing some workers with hope of a pay raise.  But while some hiring managers will respond by raising wages, a new survey shows that most employers will find other ways to manage their budgets that may not end with workers getting a pay raise.

More than a third of hiring managers would increase pay to their employees across the board if the minimum wage increases were to take effect, including workers at all pay levels, according to the results of a Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

Most employers, however, would find other ways to navigate the higher pay requirements, including 31% who would turn to automation or artificial intelligence. Other hiring managers said they would take more forceful action, including 19% who would reduce their workforce and 17% who would either outsource more work or decrease the …