Tech layoffs 2024: Over 20K sacked in April; Tesla, Apple, Byju’s
In April 2024, the IT industry continued to suffer a wave of layoffs, with Tesla becoming the newest addition to the list of corporations downsizing their employment. The news broke as CEO Elon Musk sent an email to Tesla employees, revealing plans to lay off more than 10% of the company's workforce. While the precise number is unknown, Electrek reports that the tally might reach about 14,000 people.
Highlights:
- Tesla announces layoffs, reportedly affecting over 10% of its workforce, aiming to streamline operations for future expansion.
- Apple cuts around 600 jobs, particularly from its car-related office, following the cancellation of a large-scale auto project and the Apple Watch Ultra.
- Ed-tech startup Byju's initiates layoffs impacting 500 employees in India, citing financial challenges and funding limitations.
Musk's memo explained the move, noting the need to simplify operations and increase productivity as Tesla prepares for its next phase of expansion. The message emphasizes the importance of reducing redundancies and increasing organizational efficiency.
Musk expressed confidence that the choice was vital to set Tesla up for success in the future, despite its tough nature.
"Over the years, we have developed rapidly with multiple operations scaling around the globe. There are overlaps in some occupations and job functions as a result of this quick expansion.
Musk stated in the email that it is critical to examine every facet of the business for ways to cut costs and boost productivity as the company gets ready for its next stage of expansion.
Tesla's layoffs come at a time when numerous other tech companies have also taken similar steps. Apple, for instance, recently sacked around 600 employees, according to Bloomberg. This choice was made in response to Apple abandoning its large-scale auto project and the Apple Watch Ultra with MicroLED display being canceled.
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, many of the impacted workers were stationed at Apple's primary car-related office in Santa Clara, with additional layoffs taking place at different satellite offices.
In the meantime, in India, the ed-tech startup Byju's started a fresh round of layoffs impacting around 500 employees. The move was explained by the company's efforts to overcome financial challenges amid limitations in funding. Employees reportedly got termination notifications over the phone.