Uber COO is ‘tempted to say’ the company will have fewer employees in five years
Uber COO Andrew Macdonald suggests that AI could lead to a reduction in the company's workforce over the next five years by automating roles in customer support, sales, and analytics. However, he notes that new AI-driven initiatives might eventually require hiring more employees.
Why it matters
This reflects the broader corporate debate on whether AI will primarily serve as a tool for workforce reduction or as a catalyst for new job creation.
Uber chief operating officer Andrew Macdonald previously said it's getting harder to justify money spent on AI. Sam Barnes/Sportsfile for Collision via Getty Images Uber COO Andrew Macdonald thinks it's possible the ride-hailing company will have fewer employees in five years. Macdonald said AI could augment and potentially replace some roles. He also said Uber may end up needing more workers to seize on an AI-enabled future. Uber President and COO Andrew Macdonald is "tempted to say" the ride-hailing giant will have fewer employees in five years, but don't hold him to it.
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