Indeed and Glassdoor, two of the most prominent names in the online job search industry, reportedly announced Friday that they will cut approximately 1,300 jobs, or about 8% of their combined global workforce, as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at adapting to changing market conditions.
The companies, both owned by Japan-based HR technology conglomerate Recruit Holdings, cited declining hiring volumes and the need for operational efficiency in an evolving labor market.
The layoffs will affect roles across departments and regions, though the companies have not yet disclosed a detailed breakdown.
Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed and head of the HR Tech segment at Recruit, said the decision came after a “comprehensive review” of business performance and future strategy.
In a company memo, Hyams acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that the move follows a previous round of layoffs in March 2023, when 2,200 employees were let go.
“We are not immune to the shifts in global hiring demand,” Hyams wrote. “While we had hoped market conditions would improve more quickly, we must take steps now to ensure the long-term sustainability of our business.”
The job market has cooled significantly from the hiring surges seen in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and tighter corporate budgets, many employers have slowed recruitment, especially in the tech, media, and finance sectors—core client bases for both Indeed and Glassdoor.
While job postings on Indeed remain above pre-pandemic levels in some industries, Hyams indicated that the pace of growth has slowed markedly, particularly in higher-wage sectors. The company has also seen declining demand from small and medium-sized businesses, further affecting revenue projections.
Glassdoor, which focuses on employer reviews and salary transparency tools, has similarly faced challenges amid shifting user engagement patterns and increased competition in the job search ecosystem.
Recruit Holdings emphasized that the restructuring is part of a long-term realignment rather than a signal of financial distress.
Still, the layoffs underscore the mounting pressures facing even established players in the HR tech space, as AI-driven tools and macroeconomic headwinds reshape hiring behavior globally.
Impacted employees were notified Friday morning and will receive severance packages, benefits extensions, and job placement support, according to company officials.
As job seekers increasingly turn to digital platforms, the future of companies like Indeed and Glassdoor may hinge on their ability to innovate while navigating a labor market in flux.
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