Uber is cutting about 10% of its global workforce as part of a significant restructuring effort to streamline its operations. This bold move is set to affect around 3,300 jobs, primarily in management roles, as the company aims to eliminate unnecessary layers of management, reduce the number of small teams, and encourage more employees to return to the office. Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi shared with employees that the goal is to create a leaner organization that allows for clearer ownership, quicker decision-making, and more time focused on building the business rather than merely coordinating it.
As of the end of 2025, Uber had roughly 34,000 employees, according to its latest annual report. This downsizing reflects the company’s pivot towards investing more in growth and innovation, particularly in areas like autonomous rides and support for drivers, couriers, and merchants. The competition in the robotaxi market, especially against big players like Waymo and Tesla, is heating up, and Uber is keen to position itself at the forefront. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, pointed out that Uber is looking to funnel cash into these areas as it faces stiff competition in food delivery as well.
When Euronews reached out to Uber to inquire about the number of jobs at risk in Europe, the company declined to specify how many positions would be affected or which offices might be impacted. This lack of clarity is a bit concerning, considering that Uber does not provide a breakdown of its workforce by region, leaving the actual number of employees in Europe, including the UK, uncertain. Khosrowshahi mentioned that those affected have already been notified, with exceptions in countries where Uber must adhere to local procedures—meaning some employees might not find out their fate until legal consultations are completed.
Looking ahead, Uber is also hopeful for a boost in its food-delivery business post-acquisition of Berlin-based Delivery Hero, a deal that was sealed in July. However, the company’s U.S. operations appear to be a greater priority for improvement as it has lost ground to rival DoorDash. “Uber hopes its large existing customer base can give it the edge in its robotaxi drive and has received permits from Transport for London to launch a commercial trial with UK partner Wayve,” Hewson added.
Founded back in 2009, Uber’s journey from a simple ride-hailing platform to a sprawling business that delivers food, retail products, and courier services is quite remarkable. After going public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019, its market value was around $157 billion based on its share price this past Thursday. However, the current restructuring appears to primarily impact corporate roles that mainly focus on coordinating work across different teams. Uber is also trimming down management positions by 20%, although some managers may transition to non-management roles rather than exit the company altogether.
Moreover, the company has reduced the number of employees working more than seven management levels below the CEO by 20%. It has also slashed the number of “micro-teams” that consisted of managers overseeing just one or two people—almost halving that number. Importantly, these changes don’t mean every employee in those roles is getting fired; rather, roles may have shifted, and some staff may now report through a simpler management structure.
In a bid to enhance efficiency, Uber is consolidating its three delivery operations teams that handle restaurants, retail, and direct deliveries. These divisions will now operate through combined teams at global, regional, and country levels, aiming to eliminate duplicated efforts and expedite decision-making. Additionally, the Core Services Engineering and Science teams will also merge to streamline operations further.
It’s noteworthy that these cuts apply exclusively to Uber’s employees, not to its drivers and couriers, who are generally classified as independent contractors. The company also plans to centralize its workforce in fewer main offices, with global teams primarily based in New York and San Francisco while regional and national teams will operate from selected hubs. Employees currently working fully remotely will be encouraged to transition to office environments, with only about 1% of employees expected to work remotely in the future. A stricter enforcement of the existing hybrid-working policy—requiring staff to spend three days a week in the office—is also on the cards.
In a separate announcement, Uber confirmed it would be shutting down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda, following its earlier exit from Tanzania this year. Interestingly, Uber’s share price saw a rise shortly after these changes were unveiled on Wednesday.
What’s next for Uber? Will these drastic measures pay off in the long run?
Kaynak: Orijinal Haber
