Don't ask for more staff if AI can already do the job, Shopify CEO says

Date:
Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Description:
Shopify CEO says teams should try to boost productivity with AI before hiring more workers.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Shopify encourages workers to experiment with AI Constant learning and thriving on change are fundamental values Headcount will remain flat but AI will be prioritized over new hires

The CEO of Shopify has spoken out about his affinity for artificial intelligence, and its clear that the tech is set to play a considerable role in the companys future.

Tobias Lutkes thoughts on AI had initially been leaked via an internal memo, but owing to the leaks, Lutke decided to share the exact words in an X post .

The memo details how the company should be focusing on improving the efficacy of artificial intelligence before managers ask to hire more human workers, with everyone at Shopify expected to be using AI. Shopify appears to prioritize AI over human workers

Speaking about the technology, Lutke noted: I use it all the time, but even I feel Im only scratching the surface, indicating how much more the companys workers could be experimenting with AI to get work done.

Noting his appreciation for Sophifys existing workforce, who are said to contribute 10x more than what hes previously thought was possible, Lutke
added that AI can now boost contributions by 10x, calling for workers and AI to mix for 100x more contributions.

He also referenced Shopifys core values: to be a constant learner and to thrive on change. Using AI has now become a fundamental expectation, and AI questions are to be added to performance reviews for a better understanding
of where workers reside with implementation.

Maybe the most interesting point in Lutkes email, though, was that teams must demonstrate why they cannot get what they want done using AI before asking
for more headcount and resources. Lutke encourages employees to consider how autonomous AI agents could be integrated into their teams.

In terms of the impacts on the workforce, CFO Jeff Hoffmeister shared an intention to keep headcount relatively flat, but thats after a 20% headcount reduction (of 2,300 workers) in 2023 and a 10% (1,000) slash in 2022, alongside other smaller cullings. You might also like Need a change? Weve listed the best job sites and best recruitment platforms Businesses are getting more confident about AI Boost productivity with the best AI tools



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/dont-ask-for-more-staff-if-ai-can-already-do-the -job-shopify-ceo-says


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