The AI mandates are coming
In recent weeks three leading companies have each made it clear: using artificial intelligence (AI) is now a core expectation for employees. This shift isn’t about a few new tools being added to the stack. It reflects a broader redefinition of how work is done, how success is measured, and how roles are evaluated.
The new expectations
Shopify and Duolingo now expect their employees to regularly use AI as part of their jobs. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke made it clear in a recent memo that before teams ask for more resources or new staff, they must first demonstrate they've tried using AI to solve their problems. Duolingo's CEO, Luis von Ahn, similarly stated in his memo that employees must improve their AI skills, emphasising the need to change how they work. Employees who do not adapt could be seen as holding their teams back.
Fiverr’s CEO, Micha Kaufman, took a more direct tone in a recent all-staff memo. "AI is coming for your jobs. Heck, it’s coming for my job too," he wrote. He warned that the very idea of what constitutes a skilled role is changing fast: tasks once seen as complex are being automated, and those who don't master the latest AI tools may soon find themselves unqualified, not just for their current job but for their entire profession.
In all three memos the companies stated that AI usage will be a key factor in employee performance reviews. Those who do not adapt could find themselves facing negative performance evaluations and the eventual threat of being let go. Developing AI skills isn't just about advancing your career anymore; it's becoming essential for maintaining your current job and future employability. Companies are increasingly explicit that employees who don't use AI effectively will be at a disadvantage, facing potential job insecurity and fewer opportunities.
What this means for roles and performance
The bar for performance is moving. Tasks once seen as difficult are now being automated using AI. Expectations are rising. In many workplaces, simply doing your job the way you did last year won’t be enough. Employees must now:
Learn and use the latest AI tools relevant to their roles
Find ways to deliver more, faster, with better quality
Proactively contribute ideas to improve team and company efficiency
AI is becoming part of the standard skillset. Like email or spreadsheets, it will soon be assumed you know how to use it.
The risk of falling behind
The shift is happening quickly. Businesses that fail to integrate AI risk becoming less competitive. Individuals who don’t adapt may struggle to stay in their profession.
As Kaufman put it: "Time is the most valuable asset we have - if you’re working like it’s 2024, you’re doing it wrong."
What your business should do
Make AI part of everyone’s job: Set clear expectations and provide training.
Adapt your performance systems: Evaluate employees on their ability to use AI to improve outcomes.
Encourage experimentation: Don’t wait for top-down initiatives. Create space for teams to explore and share AI-driven improvements.
Lead by example: Senior leaders should model AI use in their own work and invite ideas from across the company.
Final thoughts
The AI mandates at Shopify, Duolingo and Fiverr are a sign of things to come. Businesses that want to stay relevant must act now. Helping your people use AI effectively isn't just good for productivity. It's essential for their long-term employability.
At General Purpose, we help teams build confidence using AI, rethink how they work, and stay ahead of the curve. If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk.