IBM CEO Arvind Krishna indicated on Monday that the business plans to cease hiring for some professions since artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace around 7,800 jobs shortly.
Human resources and other back-office activities will be the worst hit, with recruiting either halted or decreased. Krishna further predicted that in the next five years, AI and automation might replace up to 30% of non-customer-facing employment.
IBM’s decision to potentially suspend hiring for some roles owing to the imminent effect of artificial intelligence (AI) comes at a time when the technology is gaining popularity. This attracted attention with the November 2021 debut of ChatGPT, a viral chatbot created by OpenAI and funded by Microsoft Corp.
According to the firm, in addition to delaying or reducing recruitment in specific sectors, IBM may contemplate not filling openings left by departing workers.
IBM has yet to react to Reuters’ request for comment.
If this pattern continues, other big corporations may similarly suspend hiring in the wake of AI development, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of jobs worldwide.
There has been no formal notice from any firm as of yet, but similar announcements from certain corporations would not be unusual shortly.
