'We don’t require more software engineers,' says Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff. Here's why

Despite the freeze in engineering roles, Salesforce revealed plans to hire between 1,000 and 2,000 sales professionals.

Salesforce, the leading cloud computing giant, announced a hiring freeze for software engineers in 2024, attributing the decision to a significant 30% productivity increase achieved through its artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including its proprietary Agentforce platform.

Speaking on the “20VC with Harry Stebbings” podcast, CEO Marc Benioff highlighted the transformative role of AI in the company’s operations. He explained that the substantial productivity gains within Salesforce’s engineering teams have negated the immediate need for additional hires.

“The advancements in AI have been remarkable,” Benioff said. “Our engineering productivity has increased by 30%, which means we don’t currently require more software engineers. AI has fundamentally changed how we work.”

The adoption of AI tools has enabled Salesforce to optimise workflows, reducing its dependence on expanding its software engineering team. Instead, the company plans to rely on AI-powered technologies to tackle technical and operational challenges.

Despite the freeze in engineering roles, Salesforce revealed plans to hire between 1,000 and 2,000 sales professionals in the near future. This strategic shift underscores the company’s focus on business growth while leveraging AI for operational efficiency.

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce India, echoed these sentiments in a statement reported by The Economic Times. She emphasised that AI would complement, rather than replace, jobs within the organisation.

“AI is designed to handle repetitive tasks, freeing employees to focus on more complex and strategic responsibilities,” Bhattacharya explained. She added that AI could help organisations navigate workforce constraints caused by limited time and resources, enhancing overall efficiency without leading to widespread job losses.

Instead of displacing workers, Bhattacharya highlighted that AI adoption would shift employment opportunities towards more strategic roles, reflecting a balanced integration of technology and human effort.