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Inside OpenAI's 'friction@' email for Sam Altman
12 Aug
Summary
- Employees can email Sam Altman directly about company issues.
- A system exists to address employee complaints and feedback.
- Issue resolution depends on Altman and Brockman's approval.
OpenAI employees utilize a dedicated email address, friction@openai.com, to directly communicate company issues to CEO Sam Altman. This channel, expanded in the fall of 2025 by Fidji Simo, former CEO of Applications, allows for the triage and resolution of employee concerns.
Irina Kofman, VP of strategic initiatives and operations, now monitors the inbox, ensuring issues are handled. A monthly company-wide update tracks progress. However, the effectiveness of this system is debated, as resolution is contingent on Altman and Greg Brockman deeming issues "worthy."
Some former employees view this direct line as beneficial for leadership to receive real-time critique. Others find the process disruptive to teams already under-resourced, highlighting that the importance of an issue is subjective.
