HR Network
Trump’s new 1:4 rule may potentially eliminate entire departments by reducing the federal force
Federal agencies have been directed to hire only one employee to replace every four terminated employees. This is the latest order from U.S. President Donald Trump, who, in consultation with Elon Musk—head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—is working to reduce the workforce of the U.S. government. Last month, the Trump administration offered full-time federal employees the option of receiving their salary until September if they chose to resign immediately. This “Deferred Resignation Program” allowed employees to earn a salary while their work was reduced and their roles gradually eliminated. The initiative was expected to save billions of dollars, with at least five percent of the federal workforce anticipated to accept the offer. The deadline for employees to ...
Workday layoffs: 1,700 employees affected by cuts, or 8.5% of workforce
Workday, the finance and human resources software company, has announced it will reduce its workforce by 8.5%, resulting in approximately 1,750 employees losing their jobs. This decision is part of the company’s strategy to expand its global presence while prioritizing the increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI). Workday aims to maximize its potential and leverage the strong foundation it already has in place.As of October last year, the company had a workforce of over 20,000 employees. Those affected by the layoffs will receive official communication soon.Carl Eschenbach, CEO of Workday, described the decision to downsize as a difficult yet necessary step. The company hopes that this move will lead to faster decision-making, increased innovation, and greater accountabilit...
Samsung Sriperumbudur plant faces strike over employee suspension
A section of employees at Samsung’s Sriperumbudur plant near Chennai has gone on strike again. The protest follows the suspension of three employees, a move workers claim is linked to their association with the recently registered Samsung India Workers Union. Employees allege that the management is discouraging union representation and believe the suspensions are an attempt to suppress worker rights. They argue that no other valid reason justifies the disciplinary action taken against their colleagues. Samsung, however, maintains that the suspensions were due to disciplinary violations. The company claims the employees were involved in coercing workers to protest against the management. According to Samsung, such actions violate workplace policies that emphasise professionalism and respect...
Ubisoft cuts 185 Jobs amid Restructuring
Ubisoft, the renowned French video game giant, is facing another challenging chapter as it undertakes significant global layoffs. The company has announced a reduction of 185 jobs, affecting employees in the UK, Germany, and Sweden. These changes include downsizing at its Newcastle-based Ubisoft Reflections, as well as the Düsseldorf and Stockholm offices. In addition, Ubisoft has confirmed the closure of its Leamington Spa studio in the UK. Formerly known as FreeStyleGames, this studio gained recognition for its work on the DJ Hero series while under Activision’s ownership. Ubisoft acquired the studio in 2017, but in recent years, it has transitioned into a support role. While a few staff members from Leamington Spa have been retained on remote contracts, the majority of employees h...
200 British firms have adopted a permanent 4-day workweek
The four-day workweek is gaining popularity among British employers. Currently, 200 companies in the UK have chosen to implement a permanent four-day workweek. These businesses believe this change will not only enhance productivity but also attract high-quality talent and improve employee well-being. With these 200 firms employing over 5,000 people across various industries—including marketing, technology, and non-profit organizations—the trend is likely to expand further. According to a report in The Guardian, the four-day workweek campaign has the strong backing of the 4 Day Week Foundation. They advocate for a three-day weekend without pay cuts, arguing that it leads to happier employees who live more fulfilling lives. This approach contributes to the overall well-being of the workforce...
Google announces a voluntary exit program for platforms and devices team.
Google has announced a voluntary exit program for employees in its Platforms & Devices division. This program is available to US-based employees working on Android (including Auto, TV, Wear OS, and XR), Chrome, ChromeOS, Google Photos, Google One, Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest. The initiative was communicated via a memo, which confirmed that the program does not extend to other divisions, such as Search or AI. This announcement comes a year after the company merged its Pixel hardware and Android software teams into a single unit. The merger of Pixel and Android created a large organization with overlapping responsibilities. Over the past few months, employees have gained clarity regarding their roles. Some expressed concerns about the lack of voluntary exit options in previous restructuring ...
Sportswear Giants Adidas and Puma are considering job cuts
Adidas is reportedly planning to reduce its workforce in Germany by up to 500 employees. In contrast, its competitor Puma is considering various cost-cutting measures. The exact number of employees affected by Adidas’s decision has not been officially disclosed. Sources cited by Reuters indicate that Bjoern Gulden, CEO of Adidas, intends to cut some jobs from its team of 5,800 at the headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Gulden has been pursuing decentralization for some time to foster greater accountability within individual markets, rather than having all responsibilities concentrated at the headquarters. In January 2024, Gulden acknowledged the challenges the company faced after a tumultuous year marked by controversies, including antisemitic remarks, declining sales, and internal di...
CNN announces around 200 layoffs as it strives to modernise operations
CNN and NBC, two major American news networks, are preparing to reduce their workforce. CNBC reports that CNBC will lay off 200 employees from its global workforce of 3,500, while NBC News plans to cut fewer than 50 positions. Approximately six percent of CNN’s workforce will be affected by these layoffs. According to CNBC, CNN aims to restructure by focusing on a digital audience and enhancing its digital subscription products. This workforce reduction is expected to lead to significant cost savings and facilitate team consolidation, which will ultimately contribute to the long-term sustainability and success of the network. It’s important to note that CNN has reported its lowest ratings ever in 2024 among adults aged 25 to 54. This decline highlights the changing behavior and preferences...
NHRC orders a re-investigation into alleged discrimination in Foxconn Hiring
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation conducted by labor officials regarding reports of discriminatory hiring practices at Foxconn and has ordered a fresh probe. Foxconn, which manufactures Apple iPhones and operates a plant in Tamil Nadu, was accused of discriminating against married women during the hiring process for assembly-line jobs. The controversy began when a Reuters investigation revealed that Foxconn systematically excluded married women from assembly roles at its primary Indian iPhone plant, citing reasons such as family responsibilities, pregnancy, and higher absenteeism. The investigation also noted that Foxconn relaxed this practice during peak production periods. This report sparked widespread debate on television, ...
Semiconductor Industry in India Aims to Create 8500 Jobs
Semiconductor Industry in India Aims to Create 8500 Jobs
Amazon cuts 200 jobs in its retail segment in North America
Amazon has announced layoffs affecting approximately 200 employees within its North American retail division. This decision is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to optimize its business structure and prioritize key areas. The layoffs primarily target Amazon’s core retail division, which includes a variety of businesses such as private label brands, the Prime membership program, consumables, and operations related to fashion and fitness. This move reflects Amazon’s strategy to streamline its operations in response to changing market demands. Since 2022, Amazon has been implementing significant cost-cutting measures under the leadership of CEO Andy Jassy. The company has reduced its workforce by approximately 27,000 employees across various departments, marking the larg...
Jobs are hard to come by in the US, even for elite business school grads
If you believe that an MBA from a prestigious business school, such as Harvard, will guarantee you a good job, you might be mistaken. In today’s automation and AI-driven post-pandemic landscape, organizations are prioritizing candidates with specific, specialized technical skills. As a result, those with generalist skills are not in high demand, even if they hold an MBA from a renowned institution. According to Harvard Business School’s website, the employment data for the class of 2024 reveals that 70 percent of students actively sought employment, and 85 percent received job offers. However, only 77 percent of these offers were accepted, indicating that a significant 30 percent of students did not pursue job opportunities. Among them, 14 percent chose to focus on entrepreneur...