Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow has fired the company's entire Human Resources team, accusing them of creating problems that did not exist. Speaking at Fortune's Workforce Innovation Summit on May 19, 2026, Breslow defended the decision, stating that many company issues vanished after the HR department was laid off. The move is part of a broader restructuring that saw 30% of Bolt's workforce cut in April 2026, as the company aims to return to its early startup model with a smaller, more efficient team.
AI Replaces Human Workforce
The decision to eliminate the HR department is driven by a desire to cut costs and embrace efficiency through artificial intelligence. Bolt plans to use AI tools alongside a small human team to handle HR functions. This trend reflects growing concerns about AI's impact on jobs, as intelligent software becomes capable of writing, solving complex equations, and executing tasks across industries.
Broader Industry Trends
Earlier in 2026, Block CEO Jack Dorsey announced layoffs of 4,000 employees, citing overhiring during the pandemic and a shift toward AI. Similarly, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that AI could replace many entry-level and junior roles. In response, a Chinese court ruled in early 2026 that it is illegal to fire workers solely to replace them with AI.
The debate continues between protecting human jobs and advancing technological productivity. As AI capabilities grow, companies like Bolt are increasingly turning to automation, sparking discussions about the future of work.
