Job-seeking platforms Indeed and Glassdoor to slash 1,300 jobs as parent company bets on AI

In a significant restructuring move, job platforms Indeed and Glassdoor are set to cut approximately 1,300 positions as their parent company, Recruit Holdings of Japan, pivots towards a stronger focus on artificial intelligence. This decision was communicated in an internal memo from Recruit Holdings and Indeed's CEO, Hisayuki "Deko" Idekoba, which was obtained by Business Insider. The layoffs will predominantly impact roles in the United States, particularly in research, people operations, and sustainability. Idekoba emphasized that the rapid evolution of AI necessitates this shift, stating, "AI is changing the world, and we must adapt." He further noted, "To achieve our company priorities, it requires creating a structure and culture to support them." As part of the transition, Glassdoor's operations will be integrated into Indeed, aiming to streamline the hiring process for both job seekers and employers. This strategic realignment will see about 6% of the workforce let go, with some key leadership changes as well. Notably, Glassdoor CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong will depart the company after ten years, effective October 1, alongside LaFawn Davis, Indeed's Chief People & Sustainability Officer, who is leaving this September. This overhaul follows Idekoba's recent return to the role of CEO at Indeed, a position he previously held from 2013 to 2019. He remarked in June, "We’re in a once-in-a-generation moment when technology can really change lives. Hiring is still too slow and too hard, and we're using AI to make it simpler and more personal — for both job seekers and employers." Recruit Holdings has a history of acquiring these platforms, having purchased Indeed in 2012 and Glassdoor in 2018. The exact distribution of job cuts between the two platforms remains unclear. This marks the third consecutive year of layoffs for Indeed, which previously reduced its workforce by 1,000 jobs in 2024 and 2,200 jobs in the year prior. Neither Indeed nor Glassdoor provided additional comments regarding the layoffs, and requests for comments from Recruit Holdings went unanswered.