Artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping the workplace, with its growing capabilities raising questions about the future of several professions. Adding to the debate, Zoho co-founder and Chief
Scientist Sridhar Vembu has warned that AI could allow a single employee to accomplish tasks that would traditionally require an entire team of 10 people.
Sharing his views on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu pointed out that computer-based jobs are particularly vulnerable to this shift as AI tools make employees more productive. “Any job performed on the computer has this risk now: one smart person using AI can perform the work of 10 people. The risk is getting ever more real,” he wrote.
However, Vembu clarified that this does not mean 90 per cent of computer-based workers will lose their jobs. Rather, he believes AI will change how businesses operate, making certain services more accessible and altering the demand for skilled professionals.
Explaining his perspective, Vembu pointed out that the reduced cost of technology-driven services could also create opportunities for businesses that previously struggled to afford specialised professionals.
He suggested that companies that could not earlier afford software engineers or digital marketers might now be able to access such services because AI has made the process considerably more affordable. “This does not mean 90% of people working on a computer will have no work at all,” he said.
Instead, Vembu believes the economy will undergo a significant shift as businesses adapt to the changing cost and availability of skilled labour. Acknowledging that such a transition could be difficult for employees and organisations alike, he added, “What it does mean is a rebalancing across the economy, and that is painful when we go through it. The only thing we can do is to accept that it is coming and be prepared for it.”
His remarks come amid growing concerns about AI-led restructuring across the global technology industry. Several major companies have been reassessing their workforce requirements as automation and artificial intelligence become increasingly integrated into everyday operations.
Microsoft’s recently announced voluntary exit programme for eligible employees across the US, Canada, the UK and India has also brought renewed attention to the changing employment landscape.
Internet Reacts
Vembu’s observations triggered a discussion on X, with users sharing different perspectives on how AI is influencing workplace productivity, employee expectations and future job opportunities.
“Sridhar , do you think that once a person starts using AI well in their line of work, they tend to be more busier taking up more and doing more. Seeing that happen.. on the other hand, the persons not using AI for productivity are still happily taking things slow 😀 That’s another change in workplace to get used to, perhaps,” said one user.
Any job performed on the computer has this risk now: one smart person using AI can perform the work of 10 people.
The risk is getting ever more real.
This does not mean 90% of people working on a computer will have no work at all.
Industries that previously could not afford to hire software engineers or digitial marketers could afford them now, for example.
What it does mean is a rebalancing across the economy and that is painful when we go through it.
The only thing we can do is to accept that it is coming and be prepared for it.— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) October 29, 2026
Another user took a humorous approach to the discussion, pointing out how most people reading Vembu’s warning might consider themselves the particularly productive employee he was referring to. The comment read, “Everyone reading this has decided they’re the one smart person.”
One user questioned whether Vembu’s repeated comments about AI and productivity could be connected to potential workforce reductions at Zoho. Suggesting that the statements might be preparing employees for layoffs, the user said, “This guy is preparing for a mass layoff at zoho. He’s only trying to build a case through all these tweets. So much for come to Indian, let’s build together.”
The discussion also brought attention to the uncertainty surrounding entry-level technology jobs. Expressing concern about students graduating from universities and entering an increasingly automated workforce, another user commented, “I am trying to get my head around the future for all the fresh graduates coming out of universities!! All these programming jobs a gateway for their IT careers.”
“What you are missing here is that we can do 10 times more work using computers, my friends who were at other jobs started doing business of making software using AI for their clients,” said one more user.
Disclaimer: This article is based on user-generated content. The claims made in the original post have not been independently verified by News18.
