Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke formally announces that artificial intelligence (AI) use is now mandatory for all company employees, marking a significant shift in the tech giant’s internal operations. The directive, delivered in a company-wide memo titled “AI usage is now a baseline expectation,” outlines that AI is no longer optional—every team member must incorporate it into their daily work.
Lütke emphasizes that AI fluency is now a fundamental competency. Employees must demonstrate that a task cannot be effectively handled with AI before seeking additional human resources. This new standard applies to every employee, from interns to executives—including Lütke himself. Teams are required to integrate AI into problem-solving, decision-making, and creative tasks, and usage of AI tools will now factor into performance evaluations.
The decision follows Shopify’s broader focus on operational efficiency and technological innovation. Earlier this year, the company trimmed internal meeting hours, reduced middle management layers, and expanded its use of generative AI in customer support and internal development. Shopify has long been a leader in e-commerce tech, and this policy further cements its position at the forefront of workplace AI adoption.
The company has also laid off hundreds of customer support workers over the past year as part of its AI transition, replacing manual tasks with automated systems. Critics argue that such policies may accelerate job losses and raise ethical concerns about workforce automation. However, Lütke contends the move enables employees to focus on more complex, value-generating work.
Industry analysts say Shopify’s bold move is likely to set a precedent for other tech firms, particularly as AI continues to transform productivity, communication, and product development. Businesses across industries are watching closely to see whether the mandate improves operational performance or triggers employee resistance.
As Shopify begins this new chapter, questions remain about how mandatory AI use will affect team culture, job satisfaction, and long-term innovation. Still, for now, the company is signaling that its future—and its employees’ futures—are being shaped by artificial intelligence.
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https://youtu.be/Fu5Mar91GTY
