The American technology giant IBM has signaled a pause on hiring new workers in roles that can be effectively replaced by artificial intelligence. This stance comes as IBM leadership weighs how automation and AI may reshape the company’s workforce in the near future. Analysts at Bloomberg have highlighted remarks from IBM president Arvind Krishna indicating a strategic shift toward increased automation across the business, particularly in back office functions that do not involve direct customer interaction.
Krishna noted that IBM currently employs roughly 26,000 back office staff who operate behind the scenes. He projected that AI and automation could make a substantial dent in that group, estimating a potential 30 percent reduction over the next five years. With Bloomberg’s projections, that would translate to approximately 7,800 fewer back office employees in the medium term.
The discussion emphasizes that many routine and rule-driven tasks—such as issuing employee certificates, processing internal transfers, and other administrative duties—are likely to be automated in the near term. Yet, not every function in human resources will be automated immediately. Krishna suggested that certain core activities, especially those related to evaluating employee performance, will continue to involve human judgment for at least the next decade.
In related AI policy discussions, notable voices have warned about the broader implications of rapid AI deployment. Influential figures in the tech community have cautioned that accelerating AI capabilities without adequate safeguards could impact job availability across various sectors. The Canadian and American labor markets are closely watching how large corporations balance efficiency gains with the needs and welfare of workers in an increasingly automated economy.