Indeed Layoffs: What Happened & Why?

March 22, 2023
United States
HR

On March 22, 2023, Indeed laid off 2,200 employees, representing 0.15% of its workforce. This significant reduction has impacted various departments across the company.

Headquartered in Austin, Indeed operates within the HR industry, providing job search and recruitment services. The layoffs reflect broader economic challenges affecting the tech sector.

Why did Indeed have Layoffs?

Indeed decided to lay off 2,200 employees due to a cooling job market post-COVID and declining HR Tech revenue. The company also noted a significant decrease in job openings and sponsored job volumes.

  • Declining HR Tech Revenue: The company anticipates a decline in HR Tech revenue in FY2023 and potentially FY2024.
  • Decrease in Job Openings: US total job openings were down 3.5% year-over-year, with expectations that job openings will decrease to pre-pandemic levels or lower over the next two to three years.
  • Drop in Sponsored Job Volumes: Sponsored job volumes fell by 33%, impacting Indeed's core business model.

Company Statement

"I am heartbroken to share that I have made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount through layoffs. This is a decision I truly hoped I’d never have to make." - Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed

Chris Hyams' statement reflects the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it has taken on leadership. The decision to lay off 2,200 employees was driven by a cooling job market post-COVID and declining HR Tech revenue. Indeed anticipates that job openings will continue to decrease, necessitating a leaner organization to navigate future market conditions.

Impact on Workforce and Industry

The reduction of 2,200 employees at Indeed has significantly affected the company's operations, particularly in departments such as marketing, sales, and customer support. This downsizing has led to increased workloads for remaining staff and potential delays in service delivery.

In the broader HR tech industry, other companies like LinkedIn and Glassdoor have also announced layoffs recently, reflecting a sector-wide trend of cost-cutting measures in response to economic uncertainties.

Looking Ahead

The layoffs at Indeed signal a strategic shift towards a more streamlined and efficient operation, aiming to adapt to the evolving job market landscape.

  • Focus on Core Services: Indeed plans to concentrate on its primary job search and recruitment services, ensuring they remain competitive and effective.
  • Investment in Technology: The company will invest in advanced technologies to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
  • Cost Management: Indeed will implement stringent cost management practices to maintain financial stability and support long-term growth.

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