Overview
- Block CFO/COO Amrita Ahuja told Fortune the decision followed an 18‑month push using an internal agent called Goose, with developer productivity up about 40% since September.
- Ahuja said gross profit per employee rose to roughly $1 million in 2025 and targets imply about $2 million in 2026, as Block also raised its 2026 outlook despite fewer roles.
- Laid‑off staff were offered 20 weeks of base pay plus a week per year of service, equity vesting through May, six months of healthcare, a $5,000 stipend, and the ability to keep devices.
- Surviving employees reported sizable retention offers, including examples of $60,000 and $80,000 bonuses, while data scientist Naoko Takeda said she quit after being offered about a 75% raise, near 90% with a one‑time bonus.
- Afterpay co‑founder Nick Molnar rejected claims of AI‑washing in The Sydney Morning Herald as Block shares jumped up to 24%, even as other CEOs and analysts questioned whether AI truly drove the cuts.