Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has introduced a striking new mandate. Teams must now prove that artificial intelligence cannot handle a task before they’re allowed to request additional staff or resources.
In a company-wide memo shared publicly on social media. Lütke challenged employees to rethink how work gets done in the AI era. “Before asking for more headcount and resources, teams must demonstrate why they cannot get what they want done using AI,” he wrote. He also encouraged staff to imagine their departments as if autonomous AI agents were already part of the team. “This question can lead to really fun discussions and projects,” he added.
While the statement was positioned as visionary, it’s already sparking debate — especially amid rising anxiety about AI-driven job loss. A recent report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimates that over 40% of global jobs could face disruption due to artificial intelligence.
Lütke’s stance isn’t unique in the tech world. Other CEOs are also embracing AI as a way to boost productivity and trim costs. Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, for example, recently revealed that the company’s AI chatbot has replaced the work of 700 customer support agents. He went further, saying Klarna’s entire workforce could one day shrink to 2,000 employees. Down from around 4,000 today — thanks to AI efficiencies.
Shopify itself has already made significant cuts. After peaking at over 11,000 employees in 2022, the company slashed about 20% of its workforce last year. More recently, in January 2024, Shopify reportedly conducted quiet layoffs in its customer service division, according to Business Insider.
With approximately 8,100 employees remaining as of 2024, Lütke’s new policy may signal deeper structural changes ahead. By placing the burden of proof on teams to justify human involvement, Shopify is taking a radical stance — one that could either streamline innovation or stir internal unrest.
For now, the message is clear: at Shopify, AI isn’t just a tool — it’s a gatekeeper for growth.
