The chief executive of Shopify Inc., Tobi Lütke, is discouraging staff from taking on side gigs that divert their attention away from the company. In a memo circulated to staff, Lütke emphasized that Shopify’s mission to build world-class software for millions of merchants requires their undivided attention. He expressed his concern after learning that the company was encouraging side gigs by handing out offer letters to prospective hires.
Lütke mentioned that he felt like he was on the Truman Show, referencing the movie about a man whose life is constantly broadcasted without his knowledge. He wants the staff to prioritize Shopify and not engage in activities that distract them from their work.
However, Lütke clarified that occasional side hustles like teaching a weekend yoga class or coaching kids’ soccer once or twice a week are not the kind of activities he is concerned about. He believes that such activities can still be pursued without impacting employees’ commitment to the company.
This memo from Lütke follows the company’s decision to lay off thousands of workers over the past two years, indicating that Shopify misjudged the long-term growth of e-commerce after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems that Lütke wants to refocus the employees’ attention on the company’s goals and ensure that they are fully dedicated to their work.
In recent years, Shopify’s president, Harley Finkelstein, has engaged in side projects himself. Finkelstein co-founded Firebelly Tea and co-hosts a podcast called Big Shot with DavidsTea founder David Segal, focusing on Jewish entrepreneurs.