The growth of OpenAI's employees is due to several reasons. One is the heightening interest in the range of AI tools, especially GPT-4 and its future versions. Additionally, OpenAI has undertaken different projects and partnerships. It is also involved in strategic partnerships, apart from conducting advanced research, as in the case of Microsoft, which has partnered with G42 of the UAE.
The above growths are not just within the research and development division. The corporation is placing a lot of emphasis on compliance, safety, and operational scaling, which are all distinct competencies. Furthermore, there has been an increased allocation of resources, especially for the public role, which is more concerned with ethical AI alignment and governance.
The structure of the leadership at OpenAI has contributed to such growth. Sam Altman, the CEO, is the lead on the strategic compass of OpenAI, driving the adoption of new means for the company and keeping an eye on the partnerships it forms with its several corporate partners. However, in 2024, OpenAI is experiencing changes within OpenAI, especially due to the exit of Mira Murati, the firm's Chief Technology Officer. Nevertheless, OpenAI has continued to pursue the best talent across the globe, especially in AI Research, Security, and Engineering.
So, noting that AI technologies are being embraced in most activities and areas, OpenAI had to enter its first international partnership to extend its presence on the world stage. The most prominent one is that of Microsoft, which has incorporated OpenAI’s models in its products, including Bing and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Another significant collaboration is with G42, an AI company from UAE where OpenAI has implemented its solutions.
This global expansion called for an increase in the number of employees engaged in research and development, operations, strategy, and international development. The upward trend in the company's hiring mechanism enables it to take its technology to various locations in compliance with the laws of different regions.
As OpenAI advances its business vertically, regulators and other ethical custodians' attention has become sharper. As part of its response, OpenAI established a Collective Alignment team in 2024 to deal with the issue of AI alignment and ensure that its models are aligned with human values. As a result, the number of people involved in ethics, compliance, and public policies has increased.
OpenAI and many other organizations initializing the development of advanced models are feeling the urge to form teams that will exist in the construct of superintelligence and cooperate with world regulators.
OpenAI hired hundreds of new employees in 2024, with each of its now more than 700 staff members helping to advance the organization’s core mission of ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits humanity.