World

Sam Altman Walks Back AI Job Doom Warning As OpenAI Chief Sees Human Roles Surviving

T

Tanmay

May 27, 2026 1:29 PM IST

Category World

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Synopsis

Sam Altman says AI has not eliminated white-collar jobs as quickly as expected and believes human interaction will remain critical in many professions.

Sam Altman said artificial intelligence is unlikely to cause the mass employment collapse many had feared, admitting he overestimated how quickly AI would replace white-collar workers. Speaking virtually at a conference hosted by Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Sydney, Altman said the real-world impact of AI on jobs has so far been far smaller than expected.

Key highlights

• Sam Altman says AI is unlikely to trigger a “jobs apocalypse”
• The OpenAI CEO admitted earlier fears about job losses were overstated
• Altman said white-collar roles have proven more resilient than expected
• He believes human interaction remains difficult for AI to replace
• OpenAI is reportedly preparing for a major US IPO
• Companies globally are still cutting some jobs due to AI adoption

Altman Admits Earlier AI Job Fears Were Wrong

The OpenAI CEO said he initially believed AI tools like ChatGPT would rapidly eliminate large numbers of entry-level white-collar jobs after the chatbot launched in 2022.

However, Altman said those predictions have not materialised at the pace he expected.

He told CBA chief executive Matt Comyn that OpenAI had been “pretty wrong” about the social and economic effects of AI, even though the company’s technological forecasts had largely proved accurate.

Human Interaction Still Matters

Altman said one reason AI has not replaced more workers is because people still value human interaction in professional communication.

He revealed he had experimented with using AI to answer emails and Slack messages on his behalf but eventually reverted to responding personally in many situations.

According to Altman, the experience reinforced the idea that many workplace interactions still depend heavily on trust, personality and human connection.

He now believes many jobs will evolve alongside AI rather than disappear entirely.

AI Job Cuts Still Happening Across Industries

Despite Altman’s comments, major global companies continue integrating AI into operations and reducing some workforce roles.

HSBC, Amazon, Standard Chartered and Commonwealth Bank of Australia have all previously acknowledged AI-driven workforce changes inside their businesses.

Still, Altman said he no longer expects the kind of widespread employment collapse some in the tech sector continue to warn about.

OpenAI Eyes Massive IPO

The comments come as OpenAI reportedly prepares for a major public market debut.

Reuters previously reported the company could confidentially file for a US initial public offering in coming weeks.

The AI company is reportedly targeting a valuation approaching $1 trillion while potentially raising at least $60 billion.

FAQs

Q1: What did Sam Altman say about AI and jobs?

Sam Altman said AI is unlikely to cause a global “jobs apocalypse” and admitted earlier fears about white-collar job losses were overstated.

Q2: Why did Altman change his view?

He said human interaction and personal communication remain harder for AI to replace than he initially expected.

Q3: Has AI already replaced jobs?

Some global companies have reduced roles or automated tasks using AI, particularly in administrative and operational areas.

Q4: What is OpenAI?

OpenAI is the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT and other generative AI products.

Q5: Is OpenAI planning an IPO?

Reports suggest OpenAI is preparing for a potential US stock market listing that could value the company near $1 trillion.

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