They could always be hired as contractors at x5 the cost for a fixed contract over 2 years to train the ai.

Wouldn't be a bad deal tbh depending on age and how much you have already for financial independence in retirement.

If my employer offered me a deal that would allow me to retire early, comfortably, to train my AI replacement, I'd take it. If they succeed, well I'd have gotten laid off anyway. If they fail, I get to laugh all the way to the bank with my newly found free time.