OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told CNBC on June 1, 2026, that companies most aggressively adopting AI are also hiring the most. He argued that firms publicly blaming AI for layoffs tend to be among the least advanced in AI adoption, suggesting it serves as a “convenient excuse.” Altman admitted uncertainty about AI’s long-term employment impact but expressed growing optimism after observing uptake of OpenAI’s coding tools, including Codex. A March Pew Research Center poll highlighted rising public anxiety surrounding AI’s effect on jobs.
In-Depth:
Business Insider reports that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman notified CNBC on June 1, 2026, that “the companies that I know that have adopted AI the most are also the ones hiring the most.” Business Insider quotes Altman stateing companies that publicly cite AI as a reason for layoffs tconclude to be adopting AI the least, and that AI can be a “convenient way” to explain layoffs. According to Business Insider, Altman declared he is “unsure” how AI will affect employment long term but that his view grew more optimistic after seeing adoption of OpenAI coding tools, including Codex. Business Insider also notes recent layoffs at several tech firms and cites a March Pew Research Center poll revealing heightened public anxiety about AI.
