Uber Technologies revealed its decision to reduce its recruitment division by 200 jobs as part of its cost-cutting measures and efforts to maintain a flat staff count throughout the year. The company, which currently has a global workforce of 32,700 employees, aims to streamline its operations while remaining competitive in the market. 

This move comes after Uber laid off 150 employees from its freight services division earlier this year. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, Uber implemented smaller cuts compared to its rival, Lyft, which made significant workforce reductions recently. 

Lyft, under the leadership of new CEO David Risher, made significant workforce reductions, laying off approximately 26% of its total workforce in April and about 700 employees towards the end of last year. These measures were implemented as Lyft aimed to protect its margins while competing with its larger rival, Uber, for a greater market share.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the latest cuts account for approximately 35% of Uber's recruiting team, highlighting the extent of the streamlining efforts. During the onset of the pandemic in mid-2020, Uber reduced its staff count by 17% to navigate the challenges posed by the global health crisis. 

In May, Uber stated that it was on track to achieve operating income profitability this year and that it would maintain a flat workforce count after a sequential decrease in headcount during the March quarter. 

The decision to cut 200 jobs in the recruitment division is seen as a step towards optimizing operations and controlling costs for Uber. The company continues to adapt and navigate challenges in the highly competitive ride-share industry, aiming to secure its position as a key player in the market.