Freshworks CEO: AI Job Loss Narrative “Overblown”
The CEO of a software firm that cut over 1,200 jobs last year has called the widespread fear that artificial intelligence (AI) is destroying software jobs an “overblown” narrative. Girish Mathrubootham of Freshworks argues that AI is reshaping, not eliminating, the workforce.
Key Takeaways
- Freshworks CEO calls AI job loss fears “overblown,” despite his own company’s 1,200 layoffs tied to AI focus.
- He describes a job market shift: AI automates repetitive tasks but creates new roles in AI, ML, and data science.
- Mathrubootham asserts AI will be a “net positive” for jobs long-term, freeing humans for creative work.
- Workers must become “lifelong learners” and upskill to adapt, he emphasizes.
The Layoffs and the AI Pivot
In a CNBC interview, Mathrubootham addressed the layoffs at his customer service software company, linking them to a restructuring for efficiency and a sharper focus on AI-powered products. “We had to make some tough decisions to ensure the long-term health of the company,” he stated, but clarified that Freshworks is simultaneously hiring in AI and engineering.
AI: Job Shifter, Not Job Killer
“What we are seeing is a shift in the kind of jobs that are available,” Mathrubootham explained. “AI is taking over repetitive tasks, but it is also creating new jobs that require skills in AI, machine learning, and data science.” His comments arrive amid significant tech sector anxiety, with giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM also adjusting workforces amid heavy AI investment.
“I think the narrative that AI is killing software jobs is overblown.”
– Girish Mathrubootham, CEO, Freshworks
A Long-Term Net Positive
Contrary to the doom-laden predictions, the Freshworks chief is optimistic. He frames AI as a productivity tool that will ultimately create more jobs than it displaces. “It will free up humans to do more creative and strategic work. I believe that in the long run, AI will be a net positive for the job market,” he said.
The Imperative to Upskill
The CEO’s final message is a call to action for the workforce. He stressed that adaptation is non-negotiable. “The key is to be lifelong learners,” Mathrubootham urged. “We need to constantly update our skills and be open to new opportunities. AI is not going away, so we need to learn how to work with it.” This perspective highlights the critical need for continuous learning in the modern economy .
