In two years, neural networks will replace the majority of office staff, says the head of Microsoft's artificial intelligence department.

Artificial Intelligence in the Office: Forecasts and Challenges

Who said it? Mustafa Suleyman – CEO of Microsoft AI
Most professional tasks in offices (law, accounting, marketing) will be fully automated within the next 12–18 months.
Suleyman expects the emergence of a “Professional AGI” – a general artificial intelligence at human level – within two years.

1. Key Forecasts
- Full automation of office professions

According to Suleyman, AI already reaches “human-level productivity” in most office roles. He gives an example: Microsoft software engineers use AI for almost all coding tasks.

- Speed of change

Over the past six months attitudes toward technology have shifted dramatically, and the growth in computing power allows AI models to outpace most programmers.

2. Microsoft’s Investments and Strategic Moves
Renewal of agreement with OpenAI
In October it was extended until 2032, maintaining a stake in the company at $135 million.

Development of proprietary models
Suleyman emphasizes the need to create “self-sufficient” foundational models that use gigawatt-scale computing and top AI training teams. In his view this is key to the company’s sustainability.

3. Safety and Control
Suleyman stressed that deploying AGI is possible only with strict oversight:

- people must remain “at the top of the chain”;
- tools are meant to enhance human well‑being, not surpass it.

4. Expert Opinions on the Future of Jobs
Expert: Point of view
Tobias Sittmann (Rand) predicts a mass reduction in office positions, especially those requiring higher education and high salaries.

Bernie Sanders claims that decisions about AI’s future are made by “a handful of billionaires” in Silicon Valley without input from ordinary citizens.

Vlad Tenyev (Robinhood) is optimistic: AI will create new jobs and entire industries (“job singularity”), not just displace existing ones.

5. Summary
1. Short‑term effect – automation of most office tasks within 12–18 months.
2. Long‑term perspective – emergence of Professional AGI in two years, requiring strict control and ethical frameworks.
3. Risks – job cuts, especially among qualified professionals.
4. Opportunities – new professions and industries if AI is properly integrated into the economy.

Thus, Microsoft is already actively building infrastructure for independent AI development while simultaneously acknowledging the need to control this technology so it serves humanity’s good.