Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Argues AI Will Augment, Not Eliminate, White-Collar Jobs

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff recently addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) leading to widespread layoffs of white-collar workers, countering the prevailing narrative at the 2025 AI for Good Global Summit. During an onstage interview with Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson, Benioff argued that the AI he envisions will not result in massive job cuts but will instead augment the workforce, enhancing productivity and capabilities. Benioff's perspective stands in contrast to that of other tech leaders. For instance, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has warned that AI could eliminate half of entry-level, white-collar jobs within the next five years. Benioff urged the audience to move beyond generalized fears about AI, emphasizing that his conversations with Salesforce customers do not revolve around layoffs due to AI advancements. Instead, he believes that AI can empower workers, making them more efficient and effective. In line with this view, Benioff has implemented specific strategies within Salesforce to integrate AI into the company. He has paused the hiring of engineers, lawyers, and customer service agents for the year to allow the existing team to fully leverage AI tools and boost productivity. This decision reflects a focus on optimizing current resources rather than expanding headcount in these areas. However, Benioff is actively ramping up sales-related hires to meet increased customer demand driven by AI. He predicts a "radical explosion" in the number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) due to the transformative potential of AI. These businesses, he believes, will see their capabilities significantly enhanced, driving growth and demand for Salesforce’s AI-powered solutions. Benioff’s comments highlight a nuanced approach to the integration of AI in the workplace. While he acknowledges the transformative impact of AI on business processes, he sees it as a tool for augmentation rather than replacement. This view is particularly relevant given the rapid advancements in AI and the mounting fears among workers about job displacement. Industry insiders generally agree that AI will reshape job roles and responsibilities but not necessarily eliminate them entirely. Salesforce, known for its customer relationship management (CRM) software, positions itself as a leader in AI integration, leveraging technology to enhance its offerings and support business growth. Benioff’s strategy underscores the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the competitive tech landscape while maintaining a positive outlook on the human-AI collaboration. Salesforce has a history of innovation and adapting to technological changes, which positions it well to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Benioff’s optimistic stance on AI’s role in the workforce aligns with the company’s vision of using technology to empower businesses and their employees, rather than displacing them.