Expert Addressed Employee Fears at Dive In Festival
Sarah Armstrong-Smith discussed AI integration challenges during the festival's final global edition.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Remote Work
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Sarah Armstrong-Smith warned that employee disengagement stems from fears that automation will replace jobs and impact livelihoods. She spoke during the 12th and final edition of the Dive In Festival.
Why it matters
Employees concerned about displacement may stop contributing essential knowledge to AI projects or testing systems, which threatens successful implementation. Ultimately, humans retain the power to determine AI deployment locations and the extent of technological authority.
A survey of 238 independent agents found 35% use AI in daily operations, while 77% report increased client expectations for speed. Additionally, 87% of consumers value human agents in insurance decisions, compared to 61% who choose agents using AI.
The players
Sarah Armstrong-Smith
She is the executive director at Secure Horizons and a former chief security advisor at Microsoft.
Dive In Festival
This global industry event has reached nearly 200,000 people over its 12-edition run.
The details
Addressing the final Dive In Festival, Armstrong-Smith highlighted how staff anxiety regarding job security leads to decreased participation in technical testing. Despite these fears, the industry relies on human judgment to decide where and how much authority is granted to AI systems.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Sarah Armstrong-Smith spoke at the Dive In Festival opening.
Market Landscape
The 2026 event marks the final edition of the Dive In Festival, which has served as a touchstone for professional development and industry engagement for years. This conclusion signals a shift in how the industry facilitates global discourse on workforce technology adoption.
Employees may face shifting expectations as firms balance automation with human-led service models. Customers can expect a hybrid experience where AI handles routine speed requirements while human agents continue to lead complex decision-making processes.
The takeaway
Organizations must prioritize clear communication about the collaborative nature of AI to maintain essential employee engagement. Acknowledging the value of human intuition alongside automated efficiency is necessary for long-term service success.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of Remote Work and professional AI integration.
Live Poll
Do you worry that increased AI adoption at your workplace will eventually lead to job losses?
