Microsoft Prepares San Francisco Offices for OpenAI Employees

Microsoft has begun preparing the office place for hundreds of OpenAI employees at the LinkedIn offices in San Francisco, only two miles from the OpenAI's headquarters.

Microsoft and OpenAI — LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images

Microsoft is Ready to Onboard OpenAI Employees

A source confirmed to CNBC that Microsoft's human resources and legal staff are already on standby for hiring and onboarding the employees from OpenAI. The report also showed that workspaces and devices are also being prepared.

After the confirmation of Sam Altman's departure and news of Microsoft hiring him for a new AI division, almost 90% of the OpenAI employees threatened to leave and follow their former boss.

However, recent news surfaced that there are still negotiations on Altman's reinstatement to the position with new CEO Emmett Shear asking for proof of Altman's wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella detailed that it is up to the OpenAI employees whether they want to stay in their current roles or move forward to Microsoft. "I'm open to both options," he said.

Microsoft Offers Same Compensation to OpenAI Employees

On the other hand, Microsoft's technology chief Kevin Scott offered a matching compensation for the hundreds of OpenAI employees who would seek jobs at their company. In an X post, Scott said that the company appreciated their desire to join Altman on a new venture.

To my partners at OpenAI: We have seen your petition and appreciate your desire potentially to join Sam Altman at Microsoft’s new AI Research Lab. Know that if needed, you have a role at Microsoft that matches your compensation and advances our collective mission.
— Kevin Scott (@kevin_scott) November 21, 2023

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Altman, Shear, and one board member are still discussing the possible next move. While Microsoft already welcomed Altman and Greg Brockman, the future still remains unsettled for now.

There are talks of the possibility of having Altman again as the CEO while some talks involve Altman as the director on a transitional board. Regardless, Microsoft seemed to be already very open to the idea of either situation.