Indeed and Glassdoor Announce Mass Layoffs Affecting 1,300 Employees

AI Revolutionizing Software Development: Experts Predict Major Workforce Shifts

in a meaningful development, the software development landscape is undergoing a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence. Experts are highlighting that AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of coding, with one assertion stating that AI currently contributes to one-third of all programming code, a figure projected to climb to fifty percent in the near future. This escalating reliance on AI necessitates a strategic re-evaluation of how engineering teams will operate.

The core message emphasizes that forward-thinking must be paramount. The central focus for new design strategies should revolve around understanding adn adapting to AI integration in the coming years, with some predicting substantial changes even within the next twelve months. This AI-driven evolution is being described as a “big change.”

The impact on the engineering workforce is also a key consideration. Demand for traditional coding roles has reportedly seen a decline of 35 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This data point underscores the potential challenges and the need for adaptability within the tech sector.

Evergreen Insights:

The accelerating integration of AI in software development is not merely a trend; it represents a fundamental shift in how digital products are created. this evolution demands a proactive approach to workforce development, focusing on skills that complement AI capabilities, such as critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and AI system management. As AI handles more routine coding tasks, human engineers will increasingly transition to higher-level design, architecture, and strategic implementation roles. Embracing continuous learning and reskilling will be crucial for professionals to remain relevant and thrive in this dynamic environment. The ability to effectively collaborate with and leverage AI tools will become a defining characteristic of successful software engineers in the years to come.

How might the increased integration of AI into recruitment processes affect the long-term demand for human recruiters and HR professionals?

Layoff Details & Impacted Departments

On July 12, 2025, both Indeed and Glassdoor, leading platforms in the job search and company review space, announced significant workforce reductions totaling 1,300 employees. This represents a significant restructuring within parent company, StepStone Group. The layoffs impact various departments across both platforms, signaling a shift in strategic priorities.

Indeed: Approximately 800 positions are being eliminated at Indeed, primarily affecting roles in engineering, product, and sales. Reports indicate a focus on streamlining operations and reducing redundancies.

Glassdoor: Glassdoor is reducing its workforce by around 500 employees. The cuts are concentrated in areas like marketing,sales,and customer support.

Geographic Impact: The layoffs are global, affecting employees in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Specific locations experiencing significant reductions include Austin, Texas (Indeed’s headquarters) and San Francisco, California (Glassdoor’s headquarters).

Reasons Behind the Restructuring: A Changing Job Market

Several factors contributed to this challenging decision. The current economic climate, characterized by slowing tech growth and increased competition in the recruitment sector, is a primary driver.

Economic Downturn: A cooling job market, following the rapid growth experienced during the pandemic, has lead to decreased demand for recruitment services. Companies are slowing down hiring, impacting traffic and revenue for job boards.

AI Integration: The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment is also playing a role. Both Indeed and Glassdoor are investing heavily in AI-powered tools to automate tasks and improve efficiency, perhaps reducing the need for certain roles. This includes AI resume screening,candidate matching,and automated interview scheduling.

Strategic Realignment: StepStone Group is undergoing a broader strategic realignment to focus on core business areas and improve profitability. this involves consolidating operations and eliminating overlapping functions between Indeed and Glassdoor.

Increased Competition: Competition from LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and other job platforms is intensifying, putting pressure on Indeed and Glassdoor to innovate and maintain market share.

What This Means for Job Seekers

These layoffs have broader implications for the job market. While unfortunate for those directly affected,it also highlights trends job seekers need to be aware of.

1. Increased Competition: A larger pool of qualified candidates will be entering the job market, making the search process more competitive.
2. Skills Gap: The demand for specific skills, especially those related to AI, data analytics, and software development, is highly likely to increase. Job seekers should focus on upskilling and reskilling to remain competitive.
3. Emphasis on Remote Work: The trend towards remote and hybrid work arrangements is expected to continue, offering both opportunities and challenges for job seekers.
4. Importance of Networking: Building and maintaining a strong professional network is crucial for uncovering hidden job opportunities and gaining valuable insights.

Severance Packages and Support for Affected Employees

Both Indeed and Glassdoor have stated their commitment to supporting affected employees during this transition.

Severance Pay: Employees are receiving severance packages that include a minimum of 16 weeks of pay, based on tenure.

Benefits Continuation: Healthcare benefits will be extended for a specified period, varying by location and employee status.

Outplacement Services: Outplacement services, including career counseling, resume writing assistance, and job search support, are being offered to help employees find new employment.

Internal opportunities: stepstone Group is attempting to identify internal opportunities within other parts of the institution for some affected employees.

the Future of Indeed and Glassdoor

Despite these layoffs, both Indeed and Glassdoor remain significant players in the recruitment industry.The restructuring is intended to position them for long-term success in a rapidly evolving market.

Focus on AI-Powered Solutions: Expect continued investment in AI and machine learning to enhance the user experience and improve recruitment outcomes.

Integration of Services: Further integration of Indeed and Glassdoor’s services is likely, offering job seekers a more complete platform for finding and evaluating opportunities.

Expansion of Employer Services: Both platforms will likely expand their offerings to employers, providing tools and resources to help them attract and retain top talent.

Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging data analytics to provide insights into job market trends and candidate behavior will be a key focus.

Resources for job Seekers & Affected Employees

Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/

Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/

StepStone Group: (Data regarding the parent company is limited publicly, but news coverage will provide updates)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ – For networking and job searching.

Local Unemployment Resources: Check your state’s unemployment website for information on benefits and job training programs.