Archive · 11 Aug 2025
OpenAI Gives Bonuses, GPT-5 Faces User Backlash
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is giving bonuses to over 1,000 employees, mainly AI researchers and engineers.
Top researchers might get millions, engineers hundreds of thousands.
The goal is to keep them from leaving for other companies because there's a big demand for AI talent.
The company is also working to improve its new GPT-5 model because users think it's not as good as before, specifically its 'emotional depth' and 'warmth'.
OpenAI's head of ChatGPT says that they hire those who can 'think from scratch'.
OpenAI is awarding bonuses to over 1,000 employees.
Bonuses target AI researchers and engineers in applied engineering, scaling, and safety.
Top researchers could receive millions, while engineers get hundreds of thousands.
Bonuses will be distributed quarterly over two years via stock or cash.
GPT-5 faced criticism for lacking emotional depth compared to earlier models.
- Who
- OpenAI employees, including researchers and engineers.
- What
- OpenAI is awarding bonuses and has launched GPT-5.
- When
- Recently.
- Where
- OpenAI's operations.
- Why
- To retain AI talent and improve its latest AI model.
OpenAI's Strategy
User Concerns
User experience vs. Product Development
OpenAI's Strategy
Retain talent and improve the model.
User Concerns
Users find the new model lacking in emotional depth.
- Number of Employees Receiving Bonuses
- Over 1,000
- Targeted Roles
- AI Researchers and Engineers
- Bonus Duration
- Two years
- Bonus Form
- Stock or Cash
- AI Model
- GPT-5
Sources
OpenAI’s $500 billion ambition puts it in elite club—and in the crosshairs
OpenAI Announces Quarterly Bonuses To 1,000 Employees Amid GPT-5 Rollout
OpenAI to give employees ‘special’ million-dollar bonuses amid AI talent wars
ChatGPT Maker OpenAI To Award Million Dollar Bonuses To 1,000+ Staff In Bold AI Talent Retention Push: Here's Who All Made The Cut
‘GPT-5 Seemed Way Dumber’: Sam Altman Admits New AI Model Has Faults, Promises Smarter AI and New Features
