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FT Opinion Piece Argues AI Could Cut Demand for Managers

November 8, 2026 at 01:59 EST

Recruiting & HR
Sales & Business

The Financial Times has published an opinion column arguing that artificial intelligence could begin to reduce the number of managers companies need.

Opinion · AI and management

Could AI shrink the middle-manager layer?

An opinion argument says AI tools are beginning to encroach on the coordination, reporting and decision-support work that has long justified management layers. The claim is a coming pressure on the roles, not a measured, completed trend.

How the argument runs

From AI capability to fewer management layers, as the column frames it

Step 1

AI summarises information

→

Step 2

AI drafts plans and tracks progress

→

Step 3

Coordination and reporting need fewer people

→

Possible outcome

Fewer management layers

What supports the case

AI tools can already summarise information, draft plans and track progress.
Flatter structures could reduce costs.
Managers' day-to-day functions may overlap with what AI can do.

What the column does not establish

How many managerial roles have actually been eliminated.
Which industries are most affected.
How employers and workers have responded.
No additional research or company data was gathered.

Takeaway

Treat this as a signal of debate, not confirmation of a completed shift.

Condition 1

How quickly AI tools are adopted for managerial tasks.

Condition 2

How well AI performs on judgement-heavy work.

Condition 3

How firms choose to restructure around it.

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