Recruit Holdings, the Japanese parent company of job platforms Indeed and Glassdoor, is set to reduce its global workforce by around 1,300 employees, or approximately 6% of its HR technology segment, as the group sharpens its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) integration across its operations.
According to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters, the restructuring will impact employees across all functions and several countries, with a significant portion of the affected roles located in the United States, particularly in teams such as research and development, growth, people, and sustainability.
While the company did not cite a single reason for the layoffs, Recruit CEO Hisayuki “Deko” Idekoba acknowledged the growing influence of AI on global business models.
“AI is changing the world, and we must adapt by ensuring our product delivers truly great experiences for job seekers and employers,” Idekoba said.
The move aligns with broader industry trends, as major tech firms including Meta and Microsoft have also announced job cuts in recent months to redirect resources toward AI-led innovation and manage broader macroeconomic uncertainties.
As part of the restructuring, Glassdoor’s operations will be integrated into Indeed, streamlining operations within Recruit’s HR tech portfolio. Consequently, Glassdoor CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong will depart the company, effective October 1, 2025.
In a parallel leadership change, LaFawn Davis, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Indeed, will step down on September 1, with Ayano Senaha, Chief Operating Officer at Recruit, taking over the role.
Recruit Holdings currently employs around 20,000 people across its HR technology division. The latest round of cuts follows previous announcements from Indeed, which laid off 1,000 employees in early 2024 and 2,200 staff members in 2023, representing 15% of its global workforce at the time.
Despite the job reductions, the company remains committed to innovation and product excellence through a stronger AI-driven strategy, aimed at better connecting job seekers and employers in a fast-evolving digital hiring landscape.
