Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, has warned that artificial intelligence could automate most white-collar computer-based work within the next 12 to 18 months, reigniting concerns around the future of professional jobs across industries.
Speaking in an earlier interview with a publication, Suleyman predicted “human-level performance on most, if not all professional tasks” from AI systems. He said jobs involving work done “sitting down at a computer” — including accounting, legal services, marketing, and project management — are increasingly vulnerable to automation.
Suleyman linked the rapid rise of AI capabilities to the exponential growth in computing power, stating that future AI models could outperform most human coders and professionals in several technical tasks.
His comments come amid growing debate within the technology industry over AI’s long-term impact on employment. AI researcher Matt Shumer compared the current moment to the early days before the 2020 pandemic, warning that the coming disruption could be even more dramatic.
Several industry leaders have voiced similar concerns in recent months. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei previously warned that AI could eliminate nearly half of entry-level white-collar jobs, while Ford CEO Jim Farley suggested AI may significantly reduce white-collar employment in the U.S. Elon Musk has also stated that artificial general intelligence could arrive much sooner than expected.
Despite these predictions, current data suggests AI’s impact on professional services remains limited so far. A 2025 Thomson Reuters report found lawyers, accountants, and auditors are mainly using AI for routine tasks such as document review and analysis, with only modest productivity gains reported.
In some cases, studies have shown the opposite effect. Research from nonprofit METR found software developers using AI tools actually took 20% longer to complete certain tasks.
Recent research from Apollo Global Management chief economist Torsten Slok also indicated that while Big Tech profit margins have grown sharply, broader market earnings outside the technology sector have shown little improvement linked to AI adoption.
However, early signs of workforce disruption are beginning to emerge. Employment consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that 49,135 job cuts this year were related to AI-driven changes.
Suleyman remains confident about AI’s future potential, stating:
“Creating a new model is going to be like creating a podcast or writing a blog. It is going to be possible to design an AI that suits your requirements for every institution, organization, and person on the planet.”
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.