Predictions that artificial intelligence (AI) will rapidly automate white-collar jobs may underestimate the complexity and variety of tasks involved in many professional roles, according to recent analysis. Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman sparked debate earlier this year by suggesting that most white-collar positions—such as lawyers, accountants, project managers, and marketing professionals—could be fully automated by AI within 12 to 18 months. However, experts caution that such forecasts oversimplify the nature of work and overlook critical aspects that remain resistant to automation.

White-collar work extends far beyond time spent sitting at a computer, involving activities like attending court hearings, site visits, and numerous internal and external meetings. A study of Norwegian workers found that meetings accounted for approximately 12 percent of work hours and 14 percent of wage expenditures. These gatherings facilitate planning, problem-solving, information sharing, and project coordination—functions that companies with higher revenues and wages tend to invest more in.

While some critics dismiss meetings as largely performative, research suggests they contribute positively to worker development and organizational success. The Norwegian study highlighted a correlation between meeting frequency and wage growth, likening meetings to a disliked yet beneficial vegetable. This underlines the challenge in automating elements of work that depend on persuasion, debate, and the transfer of tacit knowledge often held informally within individuals and across teams.

Moreover, as AI-enhanced productivity increases task output, it may simultaneously generate new demand for coordination, strategy, and decision-making roles. For example, the software development sector now sees heightened value in professionals who can effectively manage AI tools and navigate complex project landscapes. An analysis by PwC of job postings worldwide supports this trend, showing growing demand for management, teamwork, and strategic skills, coupled with a preference for in-person engagement in roles exposed to AI.

Experts suggest that the future of white-collar work will likely involve humans complementing AI by leveraging uniquely human capabilities such as building relationships, accessing non-digitized information, and engaging in nuanced problem-solving. This approach challenges habits developed in recent decades that prioritize digital communication efficiency, such as replacing conversations with emails or messaging apps.

The evolving work landscape implies a shift away from constant screen time toward more interaction in correspondence, collaboration, and real-world engagement. Workers and employers alike may need to reconsider productivity measures that equate physical presence at a desk with output. Instead, adding value beyond what AI can deliver might hinge on embracing interpersonal and experiential dimensions of professional roles.

While bold AI automation predictions like Suleyman’s provoke important discussions, the consensus among analysts is that fully replacing white-collar jobs within such a short timeframe is unlikely. Instead, the integration of AI is expected to reshape work patterns, emphasizing coordination, relationship building, and human judgment as critical elements in the future workforce.