Author: Asher J

Global asset manager BlackRock has reduced its workforce by approximately 200 positions, representing just under 1 per cent of its employee base, as part of its ongoing organisational review process. The latest reductions affect roles across several functions, including investment, operations, technology and private credit. Some of the impacted positions are reportedly connected to the integration of HPS Investment Partners, which BlackRock acquired in a $12 billion transaction last year. The company said the workforce adjustments are part of its regular process of aligning staffing requirements with business priorities and client needs. BlackRock noted that it continuously reviews its organisational…

The Madras High Court has held that an employee cannot claim Special Grade benefits in a previous post by postponing the assumption of a promotional position after receiving a promotion order. A Division Bench comprising Justice N. Sathish Kumar and Justice M. Jothiraman dismissed an appeal filed by former Agriculture Department employee M. Balasubramanian, who had sought Special Grade benefits after completing 20 years of service. According to court records, Balasubramanian was appointed as an Agricultural Officer and had previously received Selection Grade benefits upon completing the required years of service. Before he became eligible for the next career progression…

Healthcare-focused digital transformation and engineering company Emids plans to hire 1,000 Forward-Deployed Context Engineers (FDCEs) over the next year as part of its efforts to expand the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare operations. According to the company, healthcare Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are increasingly seeking professionals with expertise in both healthcare processes and AI technologies to support operational transformation. Abhishek Shankar, Chief Executive Officer of Emids, said healthcare organizations are looking to derive greater value from their GCCs as AI adoption accelerates. He said this requires professionals who understand healthcare workflows and can apply AI solutions to business challenges.…

Walmart has reportedly introduced limits on employee use of certain artificial intelligence tools, reflecting a broader effort by businesses to manage the growing costs associated with large-scale AI adoption. According to a Bloomberg report, the retailer has begun allocating a fixed number of tokens to employees using its internal AI coding assistant, Code Puppy. Tokens are units used to measure AI processing activity and are commonly linked to computing costs. Previously, employees reportedly had unrestricted access to the tool. Code Puppy was introduced as part of Walmart’s ongoing efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into workplace operations and support software development…

The European Union could face significant employment challenges this year as rising energy costs place pressure on key industries, according to an assessment released by the European Commission on 4 June 2026. The Commission estimates that up to 1.3 million jobs across the bloc could be affected if elevated energy prices persist following tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict. Energy-intensive industries are expected to face the greatest impact due to higher operating and production costs. The automotive sector is projected to be among the most affected, with as many as 600,000 manufacturing jobs potentially at risk. Additional employment losses could…

Google has reportedly reduced staffing levels across parts of its cloud computing and cybersecurity operations as the company continues to expand investments in artificial intelligence and related technologies. According to multiple reports, the workforce reductions have affected several teams within Google Cloud over the past two weeks. Among the impacted groups is the Threat Intelligence Group, a cybersecurity unit known for monitoring cyber threats, state-sponsored attacks, and global digital security trends. The reported cuts have also affected portions of Mandiant, the cybersecurity company acquired by Google in 2022 to strengthen its cloud security portfolio. While employees have shared information about…

Samsung Electronics is set to award substantial performance-linked bonuses to employees in its semiconductor division following strong growth driven by global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and advanced memory chips. The bonus payouts come after the company and its largest labor union reached a new compensation agreement, which was approved by a majority of participating union members. The deal follows weeks of negotiations and helps avert potential labor disruptions that had raised concerns about production continuity. The agreement applies to employees working across Samsung’s semiconductor operations, including teams involved in the manufacturing of memory chips and processors used in smartphones,…

McDonald’s India – North and East has provided employment opportunities to more than 1,500 young people across the Delhi NCR region through its youth-focused workforce development programme, “McDonald’s for Youth.” The initiative, implemented in collaboration with local non-governmental organizations and community groups, aims to help young individuals from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad enter the formal workforce. The programme focuses on supporting youth from underserved communities by combining employment opportunities with workplace skills training. Participants receive structured training based on McDonald’s global learning framework. The curriculum covers customer service, communication, restaurant operations, cash handling, food safety, hygiene practices, teamwork,…

Wix is reportedly preparing a major workforce restructuring that could affect approximately 1,000 employees globally, as the company increases its focus on artificial intelligence and operational efficiency. According to media reports, the planned reduction would impact nearly 20 percent of the company’s workforce. Before the reported move, Wix employed more than 5,200 people worldwide, with a significant concentration of employees in Israel. The reported restructuring comes as AI becomes an increasingly important part of the company’s long-term strategy. Management has reportedly informed employees that advances in AI-powered tools are changing the nature of work across certain development, design, and operational…

Restaurants and hotels in Bengaluru may increase menu prices in the coming months as businesses face mounting operational expenses driven by higher wages, rising fuel costs, and increased raw material prices. Industry associations have indicated that food prices could be revised in phases as establishments assess the financial impact of a proposed increase in minimum wages by the Karnataka government. Hospitality operators say the move could significantly raise employee-related expenses across the sector. According to industry representatives, popular menu items could become more expensive if costs continue to rise. A masala dosa currently priced at around ₹80 could see a…