In a decisive move that’s sure to spark debate across the tech world, Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has made a sweeping policy shift that puts artificial intelligence front and center in workforce planning. In a recently shared internal memo, Lütke announced that all teams must now prove why AI can’t perform a task before requesting additional resources or headcount.
The bold statement, posted publicly by Lütke on social media, reads:
“Before asking for more headcount and resources, teams must demonstrate why they cannot get what they want done using AI,” Lütke wrote.
He added:
“What would this area look like if autonomous AI agents were already part of the team? This question can lead to really fun discussions and projects.”
This new directive is part of a broader shift in how companies are grappling with the AI impact on jobs, particularly as generative AI and autonomous agents gain momentum. While many tech leaders tout AI as a productivity booster, Lütke’s policy formally integrates AI evaluation into the company’s operational framework — making it a prerequisite for any expansion of human resources.
AI’s Rising Influence in the Workplace
Lütke’s move comes amid global anxiety surrounding the transformative effects of AI on employment. A recent report by the United Nations’ Trade and Development organization estimated that over 40% of roles globally could be disrupted by AI technologies in the near future.
The memo suggests that Shopify, one of the most influential e-commerce platforms in the world, is embracing AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a core strategy for maintaining a leaner, smarter workforce. This AI-first hiring rule reinforces the idea that AI isn’t just supplementing workers—it’s becoming a gatekeeper for whether new jobs even need to exist.
Shopify’s Workforce Shrinking Amid AI Push
Shopify’s employee base stood at around 8,100 workers in 2024, following a significant downsizing in 2023, when the company laid off 20% of its staff. Most recently, reports surfaced that the company quietly laid off employees in its customer service division in January 2024, signaling a potential shift toward AI-driven support solutions.
Lütke’s memo may shed light on the reasoning behind these layoffs and future hiring decisions. As companies like Shopify increasingly deploy AI to automate repetitive tasks, traditional roles in departments like customer support and operations may see substantial reductions.
Other Tech CEOs Echo Similar AI Strategies
Shopify isn’t alone in rethinking workforce models in light of AI’s capabilities. Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski recently revealed that the company’s AI chatbot now handles tasks previously done by 700 human agents. Siemiatkowski also predicted that Klarna’s total workforce could eventually be cut from 4,000 to just 2,000 employees—thanks largely to the integration of AI technologies.
This is part of a growing trend among CEOs who are actively leveraging AI not just to enhance productivity but to restructure their organizations entirely. The AI impact on jobs is no longer hypothetical—it’s becoming a lived reality across sectors.
A Paradigm Shift or a Precarious Precedent?
While the policy may appeal to investors and proponents of lean innovation, critics argue that this mindset could accelerate job displacement and diminish the human element of creative and strategic work. The challenge now lies in balancing technological advancement with ethical employment practices.
By positioning AI as a baseline benchmark for all new roles, Shopify’s leadership is effectively signaling a new era—where AI capability assessments precede traditional HR decisions. It’s a move that may redefine how job descriptions are crafted, how projects are scoped, and how growth is measured in the age of AI.
The AI Era Redefines Job Creation
As Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke’s AI-first hiring policy makes waves across the business world, one thing is certain: the AI impact on jobs is becoming a central theme in corporate decision-making. Whether this shift leads to more innovation or more job insecurity remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—before a new hire joins the team, AI gets the first shot.
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