Artificial intelligence is increasingly redefining workplace responsibilities, enabling employees to perform tasks traditionally associated with other professions, according to a new report released by OpenAI.

Titled "Work at the Frontier: How AI is Expanding What People Do at Work," the report analyses more than 800,000 work-related messages from ChatGPT users in the United States, offering fresh insights into how AI is reshaping the modern workplace beyond automation.

The study found that 16.8 per cent of work-related messages and 43.5 per cent of occupation-specific messages involved tasks historically associated with another occupation. OpenAI describes this emerging trend as "task crossover", where AI enables workers to independently perform responsibilities that would previously have required specialist expertise.

According to the report, AI is allowing professionals to broaden their roles across industries. For example, a small business owner can draft marketing copy, review contracts and carry out basic financial analysis without relying on multiple specialists. Similarly, sales professionals can analyse customer datasets, while marketers can troubleshoot websites without waiting for technical support.

Rather than simply automating existing tasks, the report suggests AI is changing who performs the work, leading to a reorganisation of job responsibilities across occupations.

OpenAI introduces an AI Jobs Transition Framework, which argues that many occupations are likely to undergo significant restructuring as AI becomes embedded in everyday workflows. The framework focuses on how AI expands the range of tasks workers can perform, rather than replacing entire jobs.

The report marks the first publication in OpenAI's new "Work at the Frontier" research series, which aims to provide ongoing, data-driven insights into AI's real-world impact on employment, workplace productivity and workforce transformation.

OpenAI said the findings are intended to help policymakers, businesses and researchers better understand how AI is influencing work in real time and to support informed decisions on workforce development, skills and AI adoption.

The company noted that while previous research has largely examined whether AI can perform tasks associated with specific occupations, its latest analysis highlights a broader shift—AI is increasingly enabling workers to take on responsibilities beyond the traditional boundaries of their roles.