Salesforce won’t hire any more software engineers in 2025

“We’re not adding any more software engineers next year because we have increased the productivity this year with Agentforce…our engineering velocity is incredible,” said Benioff.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff recently announced that the company will not hire any new software engineers in 2025. 

This decision has been made based on certain stats and facts. And interestingly, at the core of this decision lies Salesforce’s flagship product - Agentforce. 

Agentforce is serving all the hype that it got

Agentforce has boosted engineering productivity by more than 30% in just one year. 

Benioff shared on the "20VC with Harry Stebbings" podcast that this unprecedented efficiency allows the company to achieve more with fewer resources.

Shifting Priorities in the Workforce

Benioff emphasized, “Everything needs to become about Agentforce at Salesforce - this is the only thing that really matters today.”

The implications of this hiring freeze extend beyond engineering. While support roles are also being automated, Salesforce plans to increase its sales force by hiring an additional 1,000 to 2,000 salespeople. 

The rationale? As AI takes over routine tasks, human expertise is needed to articulate its value to clients and drive adoption.

A Double-Edged Sword

Salesforce’s AI-powered transformation highlights a dual reality. On one hand, automation and AI are unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation. On the other, they are reshaping traditional roles and raising questions about job security for those whose skills may no longer align with evolving demands.

Salesforce has not been immune to workforce reductions in recent years. In January 2024, the company laid off 700 employees, following a more substantial 10% workforce reduction in January 2023. While Benioff assures that the company will likely grow in size over the next five years, such changes inevitably stir uncertainty among employees.

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What This Means for Professionals

As AI continues to integrate into core business functions, the workforce must evolve:

• Upskilling is Non-Negotiable: Roles that rely on creativity, strategy, and interpersonal communication will become increasingly valuable.
• Focus on Customer-Centric Roles: Sales and client-facing roles are gaining prominence as businesses seek to demystify AI’s benefits for end-users.
• Adaptability is Key: Professionals need to be agile, ready to embrace new tools and workflows that leverage AI.

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Bottom Line

Salesforce’s pivot toward AI-centric productivity is a testament to the transformative power of technology. However, it also signals a need for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while addressing workforce concerns. As we move into 2025, the question for businesses and professionals alike is clear: How do we thrive in a world where AI shapes the rules of work?

What’s your perspective on Salesforce’s decision to freeze engineering hires? 

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