Uber Cuts 23% of People Team While Distancing Move From AI

Uber is cutting 23% of jobs in its People and Places division. The unit covers human resources, recruitment, workplace facilities, and culture under the newly promoted president, Jill Hazelbaker.

The reductions impact fewer than 1% of Uber’s 34,000 global employees, though many of the affected roles are senior. A company spokesperson said the move is unrelated to artificial intelligence.

Uber Breaks From the AI Layoff Script

Hazelbaker stepped into the expanded role of president and chief corporate affairs officer only last month. She is a longtime Uber veteran from its marketing, policy, and communications ranks.

In a memo to affected teams, she said the decision seeks to build a “more connected, modern, operationally excellent organization.”

“As we’ve grown, parts of the organization have become too complex and fragmented, with overlapping responsibilities, unclear ownership, and teams operating too far from the businesses and partners they support,” Hazelbaker said.

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Meanwhile, in a note addressed to company leaders, Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi added that “these changes are necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the People team and the enormous potential ahead of us.”

Roughly 10 million Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, so they are not included in the count.

Across tech, many firms have justified 2026 layoffs by pointing to AI-driven automation. Nonetheless, Uber was clear that AI did not play a part in the decision.

Uber is still hiring for more than 800 roles, including positions to commercialize robotaxis. However, it said last month it would slow hiring as it leans on internal AI tools.

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