Boss threatens staff with AI job automation: Employee's question puts manager's own job at risk

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into workplaces, companies across sectors are exploring how it can automate tasks and improve efficiency. While AI offers productivity gains, it has also sparked concerns among employees about job security and the relevance of human roles. In some cases, managers are using AI demonstrations to encourage staff to upskill, but such tactics can backfire.

Staff Question Management’s Threat
A recent Reddit post detailed an incident at a cybersecurity company where leadership conducted a demonstration showing how AI could perform each employee’s role. Management framed the exercise as a "threat"to “keep employees motivated and learning.”

However, the demonstration had the opposite effect. One employee asked the question many were thinking: if AI can replace all staff, why would managers still be needed? According to the Reddit post, the room fell silent, and several employees have since shifted focus toward acquiring AI skills and exploring new job opportunities.


The Limits of AI
Comments on the post reflected a consensus that AI cannot fully replace human expertise. One person noted that while AI helps with threat mitigation and bot management, human judgment is essential for identifying problems that AI or vendors may overlook. Another emphasized that AI is only effective when guided by human knowledge and experience.

Several users drew analogies to tools: owning a hammer does not make one a carpenter, and similarly, having AI does not replace the nuanced understanding and skills humans contribute. Some highlighted that the concept of general artificial intelligence is still largely theoretical, and current technology cannot function autonomously without human oversight.


The discussion also explored how AI can complement, rather than replace, human roles. Employees noted that programmers and specialists are still necessary to direct AI tools effectively. Experiences shared included using AI in creative workflows, such as graphic design, where automated tools provide drafts but human input is essential to correct errors and refine results. Attempts to fully replace humans with AI or outsource tasks often lead to substandard outcomes, underscoring the ongoing importance of human involvement.