OP Labs layoffs — Mar 12, 2026

OP Labs Lays Off 20 Employees, Representing 20% of Workforce on March 12, 2026

OP Labs, the company behind the Ethereum Layer 2 network Optimism, announced on March 12, 2026, that it has laid off 20 employees, amounting to 20% of its workforce. CEO Jinglan Wang communicated the decision in an internal Slack message that was later shared publicly, emphasizing that the layoffs are part of a strategic restructuring rather than a financial necessity.

Wang stated, “This decision reflects a narrowing of our focus, not our runway,” indicating that the company remains financially stable with “years of runway.” The layoffs are intended to streamline operations by reducing coordination overhead and allowing the team to concentrate on fewer projects. Wang clarified that the goal is not to redistribute the same workload among fewer employees but to focus on doing fewer things exceptionally well.

Affected employees will receive severance packages that include three months of base pay, with additional compensation based on tenure, and six months of healthcare continuation. Wang also expressed her commitment to assist departing staff with personal resume introductions to relevant hiring managers, acknowledging their contributions to the company.

As OP Labs navigates this restructuring phase, it aims to enhance its operational efficiency and effectiveness. The layoffs come at a critical time for Optimism, which has faced significant challenges in recent months. Wang has assured the remaining team that clarity on ongoing projects will be provided in due course, signaling a shift in the company's strategic direction.

Sources: The Crypto Times, Google News