Block spent $68.1M on company event, then cut 40% of workforce
Feb 27th 2026
Reports show Block spent $68.1 million on a September 2025 event and then announced mass layoffs five months later, with CEO Jack Dorsey citing an AI-driven restructuring while the stock surged roughly 20 percent.
- Block recorded a $68.1 million general and administrative expense for a September 2025 in-person event that reportedly drew about 8,000 employees and featured headline performers.
- Five months after the event the company cut roughly 40% of its workforce, about 4,000 jobs.
- CEO Jack Dorsey said the layoffs were a pivot toward AI and smaller, flatter teams, arguing intelligence tools paired with fewer people will raise productivity.
- Block shares jumped about 20% after the layoffs were announced, adding roughly $6 billion in market value.
- Company communications said severance includes about 20 weeks pay, six months of healthcare, equity, and $5,000 in transition support, and the event expense has drawn public criticism over optics and priorities.