Bitcoin pioneer Jack Dorsey wants 50% staff cut to feel “awkwardly human” as AI-era reset begins at Block

Block shares surged after CEO Jack Dorsey announced a significant workforce reduction, cutting over 4,000 roles (nearly half of its 10,000+ employees) as part of a reorganization toward an "AI-era" operating model. The company expects $450 million to $500 million in charges related to this Workforce Plan, which should be substantially complete by the end of Q2 FY2026. Dorsey framed the layoffs as needing to feel "awkward and human" rather than "efficient and cold," promising open channels for departing employees. Alongside the cuts, Block provided strong financial targets, projecting $12.2 billion in gross profit for 2026, aiming for a 26% adjusted operating income margin. The restructuring signals a focus on cost discipline and integrating "intelligence" into decision-making, risk management, and product development, with investors betting a smaller workforce can maintain product velocity while achieving margin goals.

(Source：CryptoSlate)