AI isn’t the real reason for tech layoffs? Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff calls it a ‘lazy way out’

In a climate marked by widespread job reductions in the tech industry, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has voiced strong objections to the notion that artificial intelligence (AI) is solely to blame for these layoffs. During an appearance on Matt Berman’s show, The Future Live, Benioff described the tendency to attribute job losses to AI as a "lazy way out." He emphasized that such a perspective oversimplifies the complex realities underlying workforce changes. "I don’t think most people still really understand what is going on," Benioff stated, cautioning against the oversimplification that comes with labeling AI as the primary culprit. He noted that the reasons for layoffs are diverse and cannot be reduced to a single narrative. For instance, some organizations are making cuts due to financial commitments tied to data centers, while others are restructuring teams to adapt to the evolving landscape influenced by AI. Benioff warned that lumping all companies into an AI-related layoff narrative is a critical misstep. He stressed, "You cannot bucket all these companies together. If you do, you are making a fundamental mistake, I think, in business." When discussing Salesforce's recent workforce adjustments, Benioff described them as part of a larger restructuring effort rather than a retreat from hiring. He pointed out that Salesforce has reached a new record of over 83,000 employees, despite the uncomfortable period of workforce rebalancing over the past five years. While acknowledging the productivity benefits seen from AI, Benioff affirmed the importance of human talent. He noted that engineering teams have become significantly more productive but clarified that the full potential of AI is still not realized. Salesforce continues to actively seek new talent, particularly in engineering and sales positions, highlighting a commitment to recruiting interns and graduates. Benioff’s comments come at a time when layoffs are prevalent across major tech firms. Companies like Oracle have recently laid off thousands of employees, with India experiencing significant impacts. Amazon has also announced substantial cuts, aiming to eliminate around 16,000 corporate positions. Meanwhile, Meta has laid off hundreds in recent weeks. According to Layoffs.fyi, a tracker of job reductions, over 71,000 employees from 80 tech companies have faced layoffs in 2026 alone.