OpenAI Plans to Double Workforce to 8,000 Employees

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The artificial intelligence (AI) company OpenAI is reportedly planning to double its number of employees to 8,000 by the end of 2026. This situation contrasts with that faced by many of its competitors, which have taken steps to lay off staff year after year. The report was first revealed by the Financial Times, as reported by Engadget on Friday (20/3) local time. The new OpenAI employees will be placed in several departments, including product development, engineering, research, and sales. OpenAI’s involvement will also include “specialists” for “technical ambassadors,” or employees tasked with helping businesses better utilise its AI tools, according to the report. Currently, OpenAI’s workforce stands at 4,500 people, and if the recruitment plan succeeds, the number will double by the end of 2026. OpenAI is likely trying to ramp up competition against Anthropic and its Claude AI chatbot. According to the AI Index from Ramp, a fintech startup that manages corporate spending, business owners are now 70 per cent more likely to choose Anthropic when purchasing AI services for the first time compared to OpenAI. OpenAI recently sparked controversy in February 2026 when it announced a contract with the Department of Defense to use its AI models, following public fallout between Anthropic and federal agencies. In addition to government contracts, OpenAI is also in “advanced talks” with private equity firms such as Brookfield Asset Management to implement its AI tools across the company’s portfolio, according to Reuters.