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Google to reduce workforce by 12k

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Re: Google to reduce workforce by 12k

#381

Post by prepend »

ergonaught wrote: post #234

I need to see these "I take full responsibility" people actually punished. At the very least, this sentence needs to be removed from their mouths. Alphabet had 116 billion USD "cash on hand" at the end of September 2022. Even if the full cost of each of those 12K employees is 500K per year, that's "only" 6 billion dollars to keep those "great" people that they "love" working with around. Net income for that quarter w…

I’m not a fan of the “eat the rich” slogan because it’s not a good solution.

But I understand the sentiment of wanting to torture and destroy people who are directly responsible for these “we wanted $70B and only got $67B so we’re firing you while smiling and offering hugs” events.

I hope those laid off get new positions so it’s not a life threatening situation.

I think most of us are capable and lucky enough to choose where we work. People who choose to work for Google and other organizations like them need to do so with eyes open. Both as potential victims as well as supporting and bearing responsibility for Google actions.

This is independent for working for an adtech company (or sugar company or bomb company or whatnot).

Re: Google to reduce workforce by 12k

#382

Post by nness »

hsn915 wrote: post #325

I find it odd that most of the comments here are angry, as if at someone who stole the livlihoods of thousands of people. I understand the general public thinks their life depends on a company. I find it odd that this sentiment is so strong on HN.

As an outsider, it often feels like Silicon Valley like organisations have a particularly unique culture compared to the rest of the Western corporate world. It's built from decades of hacker culture, start-up mythos, antidisestablishmentarianism, etc. I think people are angry because they thought that Google (and others) were behaving with the same social contract, acting in their interests.

It's a tough pill to realise its just another company behaving as they all do.

Re: Google to reduce workforce by 12k

#383

Post by bitL »

Strom wrote: post #318
bitL wrote: post #283

Is this the end of Google? Rarely a company recovers after massive layoffs. Are they in the SUN Microsystems negative feedback spiral now?

Massive? This is 6% of their workforce.

6% isn't massive for a profitable company? 1 out of every 17 people getting fired at the same time? That will have huge consequences to internal culture and employee optimism, leading to all kinds of weird people getting to the top.

Re: Google to reduce workforce by 12k

#384

Post by sumitkumar »

ergonaught wrote: post #234

I need to see these "I take full responsibility" people actually punished. At the very least, this sentence needs to be removed from their mouths. Alphabet had 116 billion USD "cash on hand" at the end of September 2022. Even if the full cost of each of those 12K employees is 500K per year, that's "only" 6 billion dollars to keep those "great" people that they "love" working with around. Net income for that quarter w…

It is not about the saving from the 6B in salaries. It is about how much the leadership at Alphabet is hoping that the stock will rebound because of this decision in a month.

Re: Google to reduce workforce by 12k

#386

Post by efficax »

ergonaught wrote: post #234

I need to see these "I take full responsibility" people actually punished. At the very least, this sentence needs to be removed from their mouths. Alphabet had 116 billion USD "cash on hand" at the end of September 2022. Even if the full cost of each of those 12K employees is 500K per year, that's "only" 6 billion dollars to keep those "great" people that they "love" working with around. Net income for that quarter w…

layoffs are herd behavior among tech execs right now. nobody really knows why they have to do it but everyone else is and wall street likes it. it’s irrational, hurts morale, has little impact on the bottom line, it’s just stupid.

Re: Google to reduce workforce by 12k

#389

Post by lr4444lr »

jstx1 wrote: post #278
ergonaught wrote: post #234

I need to see these "I take full responsibility" people actually punished. At the very least, this sentence needs to be removed from their mouths. Alphabet had 116 billion USD "cash on hand" at the end of September 2022. Even if the full cost of each of those 12K employees is 500K per year, that's "only" 6 billion dollars to keep those "great" people that they "love" working with around. Net income for that quarter w…

> I need to see these "I take full responsibility" people actually punished. At the very least, this sentence needs to be removed from their mouths. There's some infantile obsession with this phrase in every layoff thread. "I take full responsibility" is partly a polite way to say that they aren't blaming anyone else for what's happening, it partly means "I'm the one making this decision" and it's partly ceremony for…

No, it's more like a soft version of the Monty Python line:

"Some of you will die ... but that's a sacrifice I am prepared to make!"

Saying you "take responsibility" is hollow if you don't suffer at all for your alleged failure.

Re: Google to reduce workforce by 12k

#390

Post by nextstep »

I asked ChatGPT to generate a layoff announcement email for comparison:

Dear valued employees,

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to inform you that the company will be undergoing a restructuring process that will result in the layoffs of 12,000 employees. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the impact it will have on our workforce and their families.

We have been closely monitoring the economic climate and have determined that this action is necessary to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the company. We are committed to treating all affected employees with fairness and respect during this difficult time.

We will be providing severance packages, outplacement support, and other benefits to assist impacted employees in their transition. Additionally, we will be working closely with local authorities to provide job training and other resources to help affected employees find new opportunities.

We understand that this news is difficult to hear, but we are committed to supporting our employees through this transition. We appreciate your contributions to the company and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely, Sundar Pichai CEO, Google LLC

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