Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Ex-HCLTech CEO urges humans-first approach amid AI-led layoffs
Vineet Nayyar says people should come first when companies use artificial intelligence.
He does not think humans should be treated like disposable products.
He believes people have always led important innovations and changes.
Nayyar says AI should work like an assistant, helping people do difficult tasks.
He expects AI to become common, like calculators and the internet.
People and companies that use AI to solve new problems may gain an advantage.
He says smaller businesses may be able to use AI faster than large companies.
He also wants companies to encourage creativity instead of only measuring how productive workers are.
Vineet Nayyar criticised companies for conducting layoffs linked to artificial intelligence.
The former HCL Technologies CEO said humans, not machines, have led innovations and revolutions.
Nayyar argued that AI should assist people rather than replace them.
He predicted AI will become as common as calculators or the internet, while effective problem-solving will remain an advantage.
He urged companies to inspire workers to innovate instead of focusing only on productivity measurement.
- Who
- Vineet Nayyar, founder of Sampark Foundation and former CEO of HCL Technologies.
- What
- He criticised AI-linked layoffs and advocated using AI to assist humans rather than replace them.
- When
- The article says NDTV Profit reported the interview today, but provides no calendar date.
- Where
- The interview was reported by NDTV Profit; its location is not specified.
- Why
- Nayyar was discussing his book, “Humans First, Machines Second,” and the effects of AI on workers and businesses.
- Speaker
- Vineet Nayyar, founder of Sampark Foundation and former HCL Technologies CEO
- Book discussed
- “Humans First, Machines Second”
- Main criticism
- Companies are conducting layoffs linked to artificial intelligence and treating people as problems or commodities.
- View of AI
- AI should assist humans rather than replace them.
- Future of AI
- Nayyar expects AI to become common like calculators or the internet.
- Suggested business advantage
- Using AI to solve previously unsolvable problems could give people or companies an edge.
- Advice to companies
- Motivate workers to innovate rather than focusing only on productivity measurement.