Salesforce Chairman and CEO Marc Benioff has voiced strong concerns over how companies are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) amid a wave of mass layoffs, questioning both the ethical and strategic implications of the trend.

In a recent interview with Fortune and during multiple public appearances, Benioff underscored that while AI holds immense potential to drive business efficiency, the growing association between AI adoption and workforce downsizing is “troubling.” “I keep asking CEOs: What AI are you using for these big layoffs?” Benioff said. “And I think I know the answer. There is none.”

A Call for Responsible AI Deployment

Benioff’s comments come at a time when numerous global organizations across tech, retail, and manufacturing sectors are either restructuring or reducing headcount while citing AI-led transformation as a catalyst. He cautioned against using AI as a “scapegoat” for cost-cutting measures that are potentially rooted in financial pressures rather than genuine automation-driven redundancies.

“I believe AI will improve productivity. I believe AI will change our companies. But let’s not pretend that the layoffs are being driven by AI when many CEOs can’t name the actual AI tools they’re using,” Benioff stated.

The Salesforce CEO’s remarks strike a chord with ongoing debates within the tech and business ecosystems, where the line between automation and labor displacement continues to blur. Benioff, however, remains an advocate for AI when used to augment—not replace—human capabilities.

Salesforce's Approach to AI

As a global CRM leader, Salesforce has been actively integrating AI across its suite of products. Through its Einstein platform and recent AI Cloud updates, the company offers tools designed to boost productivity, enhance customer experience, and streamline sales operations using generative AI. Yet, Benioff insists that their approach is more focused on AI-human collaboration than replacement.

“Our vision is to empower every employee, not eliminate them,” he said, reiterating Salesforce’s stance on building AI that supports responsible digital transformation.

The company has also been investing heavily in employee upskilling through its Trailhead platform and AI learning modules. Earlier this year, Salesforce launched new AI certifications aimed at enabling non-technical users to become AI-proficient, further reflecting its human-centric AI strategy.

Productivity Gains Shouldn’t Justify Unemployment

Benioff warned that while many leaders are eager to report AI-driven productivity gains, such progress should not come at the expense of mass unemployment. “We are in a moment where productivity is not a badge of honor if it comes with social cost,” he noted.

He called for more transparency from CEOs who are rapidly adopting AI. “If you’re going to say AI led to layoffs, show the math. Show the workflow analysis. Show the AI integration plan,” he urged. According to Benioff, failing to do so not only undermines trust but also fuels public skepticism about AI’s societal value.

The Future of Work with AI

While optimistic about AI’s role in shaping the future of work, Benioff emphasized the need for ethical frameworks and regulatory guidance. He believes companies should establish internal AI councils and ethics boards to evaluate the implications of generative technologies before scaling them.

He also suggested that policymakers work closely with the private sector to create balanced regulations that foster innovation while safeguarding jobs. “We need to innovate responsibly, or risk losing public support for one of the most transformative technologies of our time,” he said.

Industry Reactions and Broader Implications

Benioff’s statements have sparked reactions from both supporters and critics. Some business leaders argue that AI deployment is already creating new roles in data science, customer success, and prompt engineering. Others agree with Benioff, warning against short-term gains that could destabilize the labor market in the long run.

What remains clear is that AI’s impact on employment will remain a focal point in boardrooms and policy discussions alike. As AI agents become more capable and enterprise adoption accelerates, transparency, accountability, and workforce reskilling will be critical for a balanced digital economy.

Benioff’s voice adds weight to an evolving conversation: How can organizations innovate with AI while honoring the human element at the heart of every business?