Sam Altman Says Companies Embracing AI the Most Are Actually Hiring - Business Insider

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told CNBC that companies that embrace artificial intelligence the most are also hiring the most, and that using AI as a justification for layoffs is often 'a convenient way' to explain them. The interview, published by Business Insider on June 2, 2026, adds to a growing chorus of AI industry leaders pushing back against the narrative that AI is primarily a job-destroying force.

Altman did not provide specific data to support his claim, but he pointed to anecdotal evidence from companies he advises. He acknowledged that some firms may use AI as a scapegoat for broader economic pressures or poor management decisions. The statement comes amid ongoing debate about AI's impact on employment, with recent studies showing mixed outcomes.

The remarks reflect a pattern among AI executives to separate the technology's actual effects from corporate decision-making. Critics argue that such statements serve to deflect scrutiny from the structural changes AI is driving across industries. Meanwhile, labor advocates continue to call for stronger worker protections and retraining programs. Altman's comments are likely to feature in policy discussions about AI regulation and its economic consequences.