Core Insights - Klarna's workforce has decreased significantly, halving from 7,000 employees in 2022 to approximately 3,000 currently, with expectations to drop below 2,000 by 2030 due to layoffs and natural attrition [1][2] - CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski emphasizes the integration of AI technologies into the company, which he believes will allow for operational efficiency without increasing headcount [2][4] - The ongoing debate regarding AI's impact on job markets is highlighted, with contrasting views from industry leaders on whether AI will create or eliminate jobs [4][5] Workforce Reduction - Klarna's current employee count stands at about 3,000, down from 7,000 in 2022, indicating a significant reduction in workforce [2] - The company has been reducing its workforce through layoffs and natural attrition, with only occasional new hires [2] AI Integration - Siemiatkowski believes that advancements in AI can be leveraged to improve operations without the need for a larger workforce [2] - He acknowledges the potential for AI to cause significant shifts in the job market, aligning more with a cautious perspective on the technology's societal impact [5] Job Market Outlook - The CEO expresses a realistic view of the turmoil expected in the job market due to AI, contrasting with more optimistic views from some tech leaders [5] - Jobs at Klarna that require human connection, such as those involving relationships with retailers, are expected to remain unaffected by AI [6]
Klarna has 3,000 employees. The CEO says he expects that to be down to less than 2,000 employees by 2030.