AI now an ’expectation’ at Shopify, will factor into hiring
Apr 07, 2025 - financialpost.com
Shopify Inc. is intensifying its focus on artificial intelligence, making it a core expectation for all employees. CEO Tobi Lutke has announced that AI-related questions will be incorporated into staff performance and peer review processes. The Ottawa-based e-commerce company is encouraging its workforce to utilize AI as a critic, tutor, programmer, or deep researcher. Lutke suggests that employees resistant to AI may find it challenging to avoid its integration in the long term. Additionally, teams seeking more resources or hiring opportunities must justify why AI cannot fulfill their needs before receiving approval.
Shopify's AI adoption has grown over recent years, with the company deploying tools to assist in answering merchant queries and crafting product descriptions and email subject lines. The push for AI is part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and innovation within the company. This move aligns with Shopify's efforts to remain competitive and leverage technology to drive business growth.
Key takeaways:
Shopify is making artificial intelligence a fundamental expectation for all employees, integrating it into staff performance and peer review processes.
CEO Tobi Lutke emphasizes that employees should treat AI as a critic, tutor, programmer, or deep researcher.
Teams seeking additional resources or hiring must justify why AI cannot fulfill their needs before receiving approval.
Shopify has been increasing its use of AI, previously deploying tools to assist with merchant inquiries and content creation.
