“Reduce Repetitive Work, Increase Velocity” Sparks Layoff Backlash in 2026 – Here’s Why - Glass Almanac

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel wrote a memo in early 2026 announcing that the company would eliminate approximately 1,000 employee roles, citing AI-driven efficiency gains. In the memo, Spiegel stated that AI enables teams to 'reduce repetitive work, increase velocity,' a phrase that quickly drew criticism. The memo was reported by Glass Almanac. The company did not specify which departments or roles would be impacted.

The company expects the layoffs to generate annual savings of more than $500 million. Spiegel framed the cuts as a necessary step to streamline operations and sharpen Snap's focus. The exact proportion of Snap's workforce affected was not disclosed in the report. The savings estimate includes reduced payroll and related expenses, though specifics were not provided.

The announcement has sparked backlash from observers who argue that using AI to justify job cuts is a troubling trend. Critics on social media labeled the language of the memo as corporate jargon designed to soften the impact of layoffs. Snap joins a growing list of technology firms that have implemented significant workforce reductions in 2026 while highlighting AI capabilities. Some industry analysts have noted that such moves may accelerate as AI tools become more sophisticated.