By Alyssa Lukpat
Shopify won't make new hires unless managers can prove artificial intelligence isn't capable of doing the job, according to a new memo from chief executive Tobi Lütke.
Teams at the e-commerce company need to integrate AI into their workflows, and doing so will be expected of all employees going forward, according to the memo, which Lütke shared on social media.
"Before asking for more Headcount and resources, teams must demonstrate why they cannot get what they want done using AI," he wrote. "What would this area look like if autonomous AI agents were already part of the team?"
Canada-based Shopify, which helps businesses set up e-commerce websites, is one of a growing number of companies giving priority to employees with AI skills. AI-related job postings have surged despite a broader hiring cool-down. Tech companies are pouring money into AI development, and companies across industries are looking for workers who can use or build AI algorithms and models.
Lütke also said employees would be questioned on their AI usage in their performance reviews, though the memo didn't say whether the company's AI philosophy would lead to layoffs.
"Frankly, I don't think it's feasible to opt out of learning the skill of applying AI in your craft; you are welcome to try, but I want to be honest I cannot see this working out today, and definitely not tomorrow, " he wrote.
Shopify is fully remote and has about 8,100 employees, the spokeswoman said. The company has depended on small businesses to use its online storefronts but has recently courted bigger clients to keep its profits steady. The company said it would need to embrace AI to continue growing.
"We're using basically every AI tool there is," the Shopify spokeswoman said.
Shopify has made waves before with its productivity pronouncements.
In early 2023, a memo from Shopify's chief operating officer directed employees to quit holding "an absurd amount" of meetings. The company deleted 12,000 events from its workers' calendars, freeing up 95,000 hours for more focused tasks, it said at the time.
Write to Alyssa Lukpat at alyssa.lukpat@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 07, 2025 17:57 ET (21:57 GMT)
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