In the rapidly evolving world of consulting, Accenture Plc is making bold moves to adapt to artificial intelligence, including plans to part ways with employees who can’t keep pace through retraining. The company, a giant in the industry with over 700,000 employees worldwide, recently outlined a significant restructuring program that underscores the transformative impact of AI on white-collar workforces.

According to a report in the Financial Times, Accenture’s leadership has signaled that some staff will be “exited” if they cannot be upskilled for the AI era. This comes amid a $865 million restructuring effort, reflecting not just technological shifts but also sluggish demand for traditional consulting services. The firm’s chief executive, Julie Sweet, has emphasized that while AI presents opportunities, it also necessitates tough decisions on talent.

AI-Driven Workforce Overhaul

Accenture’s strategy isn’t just about cuts; it’s deeply intertwined with ambitious training initiatives. Bloomberg reported that the company is training its entire workforce of more than 700,000 in agentic AI technologies, which enable systems to act autonomously on complex tasks. This push, as detailed in a Bloomberg article, aims to position Accenture at the forefront of client demands for AI integration, from next-generation robotics to human-AI partnerships.

Yet, the retraining isn’t universal in its success. Sources familiar with the matter, as cited in the Financial Times piece, indicate that employees unable to adapt—perhaps due to skill gaps in data science or machine learning—face potential separation. This mirrors broader industry trends where firms like Amazon and Microsoft are automating roles, leading to layoffs in areas susceptible to AI disruption.

Economic Pressures and Strategic Shifts

The restructuring also responds to economic headwinds. Accenture’s latest outlook projects only modest revenue growth, hampered by corporate caution on spending. In a nod to this, the company’s Technology Vision 2025 report, available on Accenture’s own site, highlights how AI is driving unprecedented autonomy in business operations, urging organizations to prioritize trust in AI systems over traditional hierarchies.

Insiders note that this “exit” strategy is part of a larger reinvention. Earlier this year, Accenture announced changes to its growth model, effective September 1, 2025, as per a press release on their newsroom. By focusing on AI consulting, the firm has already trained 500,000 staffers in generative AI, according to another Bloomberg update, positioning itself against competitors like Deloitte and PwC.

Implications for the Consulting Sector

For industry insiders, Accenture’s approach raises questions about talent retention and ethical retraining. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect growing sentiment that AI could eliminate up to 75% of certain roles, with white-collar professions like consulting particularly vulnerable. One such discussion echoed predictions from Anthropic’s CEO about mass job eliminations in tech and finance.

Critics argue this could exacerbate inequality, as not all workers have equal access to upskilling. However, proponents see it as essential evolution. Accenture’s moves, blending aggressive training with selective exits, may set a precedent for how global consultancies navigate AI’s disruptions.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Innovation and Human Capital

As Accenture pushes forward, the emphasis on agentic AI—systems that learn and act independently—could redefine service delivery. A TechGig article elaborated on this training’s importance, noting it equips staff for a boom in AI-related projects, potentially boosting efficiency tenfold in select roles.

Ultimately, the firm’s $865 million investment signals a commitment to reinvention, but at what cost to its people? With AI’s promise of autonomy comes the reality of workforce flux, challenging leaders to balance technological prowess with humane transitions. As one executive told the Financial Times, the goal is a leaner, AI-savvy organization ready for tomorrow’s demands.