Recruit Holdings cuts 1,300 jobs as AI reshapes hiring landscape

In early July 2025, Recruit Holdings, the parent company of job search platforms Indeed and Glassdoor, announced significant workforce reductions totaling approximately 1,300 positions. This move impacts their operations predominantly in the United States and is attributed to a strategic shift toward leveraging artificial intelligence. CEO Hisayuki Idekoba emphasized the necessity for the firm to adapt to the rapid changes that AI is bringing to the job market. The job cuts represent roughly 6% of Recruit Holdings' overall workforce and target teams involved in research and development, human resources, and sustainability. The integration of Glassdoor into Indeed is a critical aspect of this restructuring. Idekoba articulated that the merger aims to improve user experience for job seekers and employers alike, marking a clear pivot towards simplifying hiring processes through technology. With AI reportedly helping individuals find jobs every 2.2 seconds, the reliance on manual labor within the hiring industry has come under scrutiny, as it still comprises a significant portion of workforce costs. This transformation comes amid broader trends across multiple industries where AI is increasingly applied, fundamentally altering the nature of work. Major companies, including JP Morgan Chase and Amazon, have echoed similar sentiments regarding workforce reductions due to AI. Ford's CEO Jim Farley predicted that half of all white-collar jobs in the U.S. could be affected by automation. The implications of these statements and actions raise concerns among workers about job security in a rapidly evolving labor market. In recent months, Recruit Holdings had indicated plans for job cuts among its various divisions, including previous announcements of layoffs and the streamlining of its workforce. The commitment to integrating more AI in operations, alongside the need to eliminate inefficiencies, has resulted in the current layoffs. As the organization aims to reduce the manual costs associated with hiring and improve overall efficiency, the landscape for job seekers and employees could change dramatically, making traditional roles potentially obsolete.