Shopify Layoffs: CEO Says Laid Off Staff We're Working on 'Side Quests'

Shopify has laid off 20% of its global workforce, including its logistics division, as part of a cost-cutting exercise. This is the second major downsizing by the e-commerce platform after it cut 10% of its staff in July 2020. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke communicated the move to staff through an internal message, which was later shared on the company’s blog. However, Lütke's message has been criticised for lacking empathy towards employees, who he described as working on "side quests." The gaming analogy used in the letter has caused some staff to feel dehumanised. Although Shopify has offered a compensation package that includes 16 weeks of severance pay and medical benefits, some people view the company's cost-cutting measures as insensitive.