The Ethereum Foundation is undergoing a major restructuring: a 20% staff reduction and a shift to a cluster model.
The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has completed a multi-month reorganization aimed at optimizing treasury management and implementing a new Mandate and Governance Policy. As part of these changes, the foundation parted ways with 54 employees, representing approximately 20% of its total staff. This is a significant step that reflects the EF's commitment to increasing efficiency and adapting to changing market conditions.
The new organizational structure now includes five key working clusters: Protocol Layer, Access Layer, User Layer, Community Layer, and Institutional Layer. Additionally, operations and management support units have been designated. This cluster model will allow for clearer distribution of responsibilities and faster decision-making within the foundation.
For laid-off employees, the EF offered a severance package including at least one month's salary for each year of service or the local statutory minimum, as well as assistance in finding a new role within the ecosystem and a small grant for related expenses. This demonstrates that the foundation aims to maintain good relations with former team members and support their transition.
Expert opinion: A 20% staff reduction is not just optimization but a signal that the Ethereum Foundation intends to become more agile and focused. Amid growing competition from other blockchains and the need to accelerate Ethereum 2.0 development, such restructuring could be a key factor in maintaining leadership. However, it is important that the cluster model does not lead to bureaucratization but genuinely improves the speed and quality of work.