The tech industry has long been hailed as a beacon of job growth and innovation, but recent headlines tell a different story. Over the past year, major tech companies have announced thousands of job cuts, leaving many in the industry wondering what’s behind this sudden epidemic of layoffs.

From industry giants like IBM and Cisco to newer players like Uber and WeWork, no company seems immune to the trend. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the factors driving the tech industry’s layoff epidemic and explore what it means for both workers and the industry as a whole.

3 Key Factors of Layoff Epidemic

Industry Trends:

One major factor behind the recent tech industry layoffs is the larger trend of consolidation and market saturation. As the industry has matured and become more crowded, many companies have found it difficult to differentiate themselves and maintain their growth rates. This has led to a wave of mergers and acquisitions as companies seek to stay ahead of the competition. For example, last month, GitHub laid off 142 engineering operations roles in India.

Economic Pressures:

Another factor driving the recent layoffs in tech is the economic pressures facing companies in the industry. The global economy has been slowing down in recent years, which has put pressure on tech companies to cut costs and become more efficient.

Additionally, the rising cost of doing business in many tech hubs, such as San Francisco and New York City, has made it difficult for companies to maintain their margins. As a result, many companies have been forced to cut jobs and reduce their expenses.

According to a report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a human resources consulting firm, the tech industry layoff started before COVID. The world saw a 351% increase in job cuts in 2019 and this number has only increased post-COVID.

According to the same report, 2022 saw a rise in job cuts by 13% in comparison to 2021. During the last two years, major corporations like IBM, Google, Accenture, etc. have laid off more than seventy-thousand employees worldwide.

Shifts in Business Strategies:

A third factor driving the recent layoffs in tech is the shift in business strategies among companies in the industry. For many years, the focus in tech was on growth at all costs, with companies burning through cash to acquire users and expand their offerings.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on profitability as investors become more concerned about the long-term sustainability of tech companies. This has led many companies to rethink their business models and cut jobs in order to become more efficient and profitable.

For example, Airbnb, which had been a high-growth company for many years, announced in May 2020 that it was laying off nearly 1,900 employees, or about 25% of its workforce. The company cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business, as well as the need to focus on its core offerings and become more efficient.

Fast forward to 2022, Airbnb saw good growth and amassed major profits, still, 30% of the recruiting workforce was laid off. Why? Shift in business strategies.

Future of Work in the Tech Industry:

Looking ahead, the tech industry is likely to continue to face challenges and changes in the aftermath of the recent layoffs. The shift towards profitability and efficiency is likely to continue, with companies becoming more focused on their core offerings and cutting costs where possible. This could lead to a decrease in the number of high-growth, high-risk startups, as companies prioritize sustainability over rapid growth.

However, the tech industry is also likely to continue to play a critical role in the global economy, driving innovation and growth in a wide range of industries. Despite the recent layoffs, the industry is still growing, with job openings in tech continuing to outpace those in other industries.

To succeed in the new economic landscape, tech workers will need to be adaptable and willing to learn new skills as companies shift their focus and strategies. They may also need to be prepared for periods of job insecurity as the industry undergoes further changes and consolidation.

How to be recession-proof?

The uncertain economic climate can leave employees feeling vulnerable about their job security. However, there are steps that employees can take to make themselves more valuable to their employers and increase their chances of weathering a recession. Here are five steps for employees to become recession-proof:

1. Diversify your skills: If your job involves a specific set of skills, consider learning new ones that could be useful in other industries or roles. For example, if you’re a marketer who specializes in digital advertising, you could learn about content marketing or search engine optimization to broaden your skillset.
2. Build a strong professional network: Cultivate relationships with colleagues, industry peers, and other professionals who can provide support and guidance during difficult times. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in online forums to expand your network.
3. Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Keep a finger on the pulse of your industry by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and staying informed about new technologies, products, and services. This will help you anticipate changes and stay ahead of the curve.
4. Take on new responsibilities: Look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or lead new projects at work. This can help you develop new skills and demonstrate your value to your employer.
5. Manage your finances wisely: Finally, it’s important to be financially prepared for a recession. Build up an emergency fund, pay down debt, and live within your means. By taking control of your finances, you can reduce your stress and increase your financial security.

Conclusion:

The recent layoffs in the tech industry have been driven by a range of factors, including market saturation, economic pressures, and shifts in business strategies. While these trends are unlikely to reverse in the near future, the industry is still growing and evolving and will continue to be a major force in the global economy.

However, the human impact of layoffs should not be ignored, and companies should strive to support their employees during periods of change and uncertainty. By doing so, they can help to ensure that the industry remains a positive force for workers and society as a whole.