Shocking Tech Industry Layoffs Continue in 2024: What You Need to Know
In Brief:
New Delhi: The wave of layoffs in the tech industry shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. After significant workforce reductions in 2022 and 2023, the sector continues to see major job cuts this year. According to independent tracker Layoffs.fyi, as of August 30, 2024, 422 tech companies have laid off 136,782 employees.
Even big tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google are continuing to reduce their headcounts, reflecting broader industry trends driven by cost-cutting measures, restructuring, and strategic shifts toward emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
Apple
Apple is the latest major player to announce job cuts, reportedly laying off around 100 employees in its digital services group. The layoffs affect workers in the Books and News teams, indicating possible shifts in Apple‘s digital content strategy. Earlier in May, Apple laid off 614 employees in California after shutting down a long-running electric vehicle (EV) project.
GoPro
GoPro, known for its action cameras, plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 15% before the end of 2024. This restructuring will affect around 139 employees as the company seeks to cut costs and refocus on its core business amid challenging market conditions.
Sonos
Sonos, an audio technology company, confirmed another round of layoffs, cutting 100 employees, or about 6% of its workforce. This follows a 7% reduction in 2023 as Sonos adapts to changing market dynamics.
Cisco
Cisco is reportedly planning to eliminate thousands of jobs in another round of layoffs this year. The company previously laid off over 4,000 employees in February 2024 as part of a broader restructuring aimed at aligning with current market conditions and future growth opportunities.
Dell
Dell is making cuts this month to become “leaner” and create a new sales unit focused on AI products and services. While the exact number of layoffs hasn’t been disclosed, an internal memo suggests significant restructuring as Dell shifts its strategy toward AI.
Intel
Intel announced one of the most significant layoffs of the year, cutting 15,000 employees, equivalent to 15% of its total workforce. CEO Pat Gelsinger cited slower-than-expected revenue growth and the need to position Intel for future technological trends like AI as the reasons behind the cuts.
Microsoft
Microsoft has continued its layoff trend in 2024, with multiple rounds affecting various divisions. In January, Microsoft laid off 2,000 employees from its gaming unit after acquiring Activision Blizzard. Subsequent layoffs targeted the cloud business Azure, HoloLens, and product management roles.
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has also been a major player in the layoff trend this year, cutting 630 workers from various units, including Voice Assistant and hardware teams. These layoffs are part of efforts to “simplify execution and drive velocity.” In April, Alphabet also laid off around 200 employees from core teams, including senior executives.
What’s Driving These Layoffs?
The continued layoffs across major tech companies reflect broader industry trends driven by cost-cutting, strategic shifts toward AI, and adjustments to post-pandemic market realities. Many companies that over-hired during the pandemic are now reducing their workforces to balance costs and prepare for future growth, particularly in AI.
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