Mass layoffs: No surprise in Unstable Industries

ASME IITR Chapter
3 min readDec 18, 2022

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In recent years, we’ve seen a spate of sudden mass layoffs by tech companies, leaving thousands of employees without jobs and struggling to make ends meet. These layoffs can come as a shock to employees, who may have thought their job was secure and their company was doing well. But why do these layoffs happen, and what can employees do to protect themselves and their families?

Recent Facts

Elon Musk’s Twitter laid off around half of their workforce, and Meta laid off around 10,000 employees. These are just a few examples of the many tech companies that have recently implemented mass layoffs. In the US alone, around 73,000 workers have lost their jobs due to these layoffs. Some analysts predict that the number of layoffs may be higher than those experienced during the Great Recession.

Causes

There are a few reasons why tech companies might suddenly lay off large numbers of employees. One is a shift in the market or the company’s business strategy. For example, if a company’s products or services are no longer in demand, it may need to scale back its operations and let go of employees. Another reason is financial performance. If a company is not meeting its financial targets, it may need to cut costs by laying off employees. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability with an unclear future are also major factors contributing to mass layoffs in the tech sector.

Regardless of the reason, sudden mass layoffs can be a difficult and stressful experience for employees. They may feel blindsided by the news and unsure of what to do next.

Suggestions

If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Gather as much information as you can. Ask your employer for details about the layoff and how it will affect you. Find out about your severance package and any benefits you may be entitled to.

2. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Even if you’re not looking for a new job immediately, it’s a good idea to have your resume and online profiles up to date in case you need to start job searching quickly.

3. Reach out to your network. Let your contacts know that you are looking for new opportunities. They may be able to offer advice or refer you to job openings.

4. Take care of yourself. Losing your job can be emotionally draining, so make sure to take care of your mental health. Seek support from friends and family, and consider speaking with a therapist if you need additional help.

If you’ve been affected by sudden mass layoffs at a tech company, know that you’re not alone. Many people have been through this experience and have gone on to find new and rewarding jobs. With the right strategies and support, you can bounce back and move forward in your career.

Conclusion

These layoffs show the sad reality of these centralized private institutions that can turn the lives of employees’ upside down within few hours. On the other hand, employees must also be ready for such situations as they are not a surprise now, as the figures suggest. It is time to introspect deeply on these aspects of life as there could be one of your loved ones affected by it next.

Shashank Trivedi is the writer of this article. Views expressed and information provided belong solely to the author.

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ASME IITR Chapter

The ASME Student Chapter at IIT Roorkee is an undergraduate club of students majoring in various fields of Engineering.