Microsoft AI chief says human office jobs could be replaced in 18 months. Are you at risk?

Microsoft AI chief says human office jobs could be replaced in 18 months. Are you at risk?

https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/microsoft-ai-chief-says-human-office-jobs-could-soon-be-replaced-by-ai-in-18-months-are-you-at-risk/amp_articleshow/131192482.cms

Publish Date: 2026-05-19 02:19:00

Source Domain: m.economictimes.com

Here are the key points from the article regarding Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman’s claims about the likely impact of AI on the workforce:

  • AI Replacing White-collar Jobs: Mustafa Suleyman predicts that most white-collar jobs could vanish within the next 12 to 18 months due to the advancement of AI.

  • Specific Job Roles at Risk: Suleyman specifically mentioned that roles in accounting, legal work, marketing, and project management are particularly vulnerable to AI automation.

  • Rapid Advancements in AI: The AI systems are approaching “human-level performance on most, if not all, professional tasks,” thanks to the rapid acceleration in computing power and AI model capabilities.

  • Future AI Agents: AI may soon replace parts of human work by managing workflows inside companies, including tasks like coordinating operations and decision-making, within the next 2 to 3 years.

  • Accessibility of AI Development: According to Suleyman, developing AI systems will likely become as accessible as creating digital content, akin to podcasting or blogging, allowing customized solutions tailored to specific needs.

  • Industry Transformation: Early signs of this AI-driven transformation are already visible in industries like software engineering where developers use AI for coding assistance.

  • Broader Impact: The technology’s evolution indicates that AI’s impact will extend beyond repetitive tasks into more complex areas of professional work.

  • Tech Leaders’ Concerns: Suleyman’s predictions align with growing concerns shared by other tech leaders about AI taking over tasks traditionally performed by humans.

These points highlight both the potential benefits and concerns around the rapid advancements in AI technology.