Kiran Tomlinson, Senior Researcher at Microsoft, told The Free Press Journal, “Our study explores which job categories can productively use AI chatbots. AI might change how work is done—not take away or replace jobs.”

Following widespread reports that AI could wipe out over 40 job roles—with journalists, teachers, and telemarketers topping the list—Microsoft has issued a clarification, stating that the study was misunderstood and taken out of context.

The original report, which gained traction across multiple media outlets, suggested that Microsoft’s research identified jobs most vulnerable to AI disruption, sparking concerns over the future of human employment in creative and educational fields.

Now, in a bid to clarify the context of the report, Kiran Tomlinson, Senior Researcher at Microsoft, told The Free Press Journal, “Our study explores which job categories can productively use AI chatbots. It introduces an AI applicability score that measures the overlap between AI capabilities and job tasks, highlighting where AI might change how work is done—not take away or replace jobs.”

According to Tomlinson, the goal of the study was not to predict job loss but to understand how AI tools like chatbots can support various tasks across professions, particularly those involving research, writing, and communication. The report does not claim that AI can fully perform or replace any single occupation, he emphasized.

The clarification adds crucial context to a growing debate around AI’s impact on employment. While the technology is expected to drastically alter workflows in many industries, Microsoft stresses that the real outcome is more likely to be job transformation than elimination.

“As AI adoption accelerates, it's important that we continue to study and better understand its societal and economic impact,” Tomlinson added, calling for responsible integration and further research.

For context, Microsoft has laid off over 15,000 employees in 2025 and is now urging remaining staff to upgrade AI skills. AI usage is becoming part of performance reviews as the company bets big on Copilot and automation.