In a bold shift that underscores the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern business operations, Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has reportedly instructed teams across the company to demonstrate that AI tools cannot adequately perform a job before seeking to hire a new employee. The directive, which surfaced in an internal memo obtained by business media outlets, marks a striking example of how major tech firms are recalibrating their workforce strategies in the age of automation.
AI as the Default, Not the Option
Lütke’s guidance is clear: AI should be the first tool considered when addressing a new task or project, not an afterthought. If the technology can reasonably handle the work, the company will prioritize automation over adding new human resources.
“Before a job requisition is approved, teams must first prove that no AI system is capable of performing the role to the required standard,” the internal communication stated, according to sources familiar with the matter.
This policy signals a significant cultural shift at Shopify, which has historically been seen as a forward-thinking tech company focused on empowering entrepreneurs through e-commerce solutions.
Streamlining for Efficiency
Shopify has already integrated AI into multiple layers of its operations, from customer service chatbots to coding assistants and logistics automation. The company’s leadership sees AI not only as a cost-saving mechanism but as a way to enhance productivity and agility across teams.
According to internal sources, this move is also meant to streamline operations and eliminate redundant or low-impact roles. Departments are now being urged to build processes with “AI-first thinking” — challenging team leaders to automate before they allocate human capital.
“We want to ensure we are leveraging every tool available to its maximum before turning to conventional hiring,” a Shopify executive commented anonymously.
Workforce Reactions and Broader Implications
The directive has sparked mixed reactions among employees and labor experts. While some view it as a smart evolution that ensures company resources are used efficiently, others worry it could lead to fewer job opportunities and a chilling effect on career growth within the company.
“This isn’t just about replacing people — it’s about redefining the value of human work,” said Dr. Leena Desai, a labor futurist based in Toronto. “When AI becomes the gatekeeper for hiring, companies risk underestimating the nuance, creativity, and emotional intelligence that humans bring to the table.”
The news also arrives as debates intensify globally over how AI is impacting employment. While some sectors embrace automation to improve margins and customer experience, others face layoffs and restructuring as machines increasingly take over repetitive or data-driven tasks.
Shopify’s AI Vision
Lütke has been an outspoken advocate for the potential of AI, especially in software development and e-commerce management. In previous public statements, he described AI as a “power tool” that can dramatically boost efficiency if used responsibly.
The current policy does not signal a freeze on hiring but rather a change in the approval process, which now places the burden on teams to justify human roles in a world where machines are increasingly competent.
Looking Ahead
As AI adoption accelerates, more companies may follow Shopify’s lead. The move highlights the tension between innovation and employment, raising essential questions about the future of work.
For now, Shopify appears committed to building a leaner, smarter organization—one where every new hire is measured not only by their qualifications but by what AI can’t do.