Randstad CEO warns traditional office roles are obsolete as AI reshapes labour market

Sander van’t Noordende, chief executive of global recruitment firm Randstad, has declared that traditional office roles are becoming obsolete due to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box Europe on 20 May 2026, the Randstad chief advised jobseekers to pivot away from conventional white-collar tracks and instead pursue careers in the technology sector or skilled trades, where demand and remuneration are rising sharply.

The commentary followed the release of a Randstad report on 19 May 2026, which revealed a 300% increase in AI-related job postings during the first quarter of 2026. The data also showed a 281% jump in demand for AI trainers globally, signalling a structural shift in how corporations are allocating human capital. Van’t Noordende noted that professionals fluent in AI are promoted approximately 3.5 times faster than their non-AI native counterparts and earn about 25% more initially.

Salary premiums for AI proficiency extend further for those with specific credentials. According to the report, salaries grow to 40% more for professionals who possess in-demand AI certifications. Van’t Noordende emphasised that while technical fluency is critical, it must be accompanied by soft skills such as judgement, collaboration, and empathy, which remain difficult for algorithms to replicate.

To illustrate the speed of corporate transformation, the CEO cited Standard Chartered’s automation of approximately 7,800 roles, referring to the affected workers as “lower value human capital.” He also highlighted a significant pivot within the professional services sector, noting that the top four multinational accounting firms are currently hiring more AI specialists than auditors. This trend suggests a move away from traditional compliance and audit functions toward roles that leverage AI for data analysis and strategic application.

Van’t Noordende cautioned that roles where AI can be used to the “max” are particularly prone to obsolescence. He advised that the most resilient career paths will combine technical AI application with innate human characteristics such as curiosity, communication, and compassion. This perspective aligns with broader industry observations, including recent comments from Nvidia’s CEO regarding a new industrial era for tradespeople and appeals from figures such as Mike Rowe for increased participation in apprenticeships.