[San Francisco, California] Tech giants Google and Airtable announced significant layoffs, confirming that the perceived lull in tech layoffs was only temporary. This development indicates a broader slowdown in tech hiring, a concerning trend for the sector.
Google confirmed the release of several hundred staff members from its recruiting division. Google spokesperson, Courtenay Mencini, cited reduced hiring requests as the driving factor behind the decision. “To ensure efficiency, we’ve made the tough choice to downsize our recruiting team,” Mencini revealed.
Although the company did not disclose the exact number, a WARN notice reveals that 75 employees in its San Francisco office were affected. The Google layoffs come on the heels of Google’s January decision to lay off 12,000 workers.
Airtable, another tech unicorn based in San Francisco, also shared grim news, laying off 237 employees, approximately 27% of its staff. CEO Howie Liu took accountability for the layoffs, stating the company’s evolution demands a “different mix of roles.” He further specified that roles in product and sales for small-scale customers bore the brunt of these cuts. Interestingly, this follows Airtable’s decision to lay off 254 employees last December.
Reflecting on the Airtable layoffs, Liu expressed deep regret for the decisions that led to this outcome. “It’s a sickening feeling,” he confessed in a conversation with Forbes, attributing the challenges to the competitive hiring environment during the pandemic.
This year alone, over 54,000 employees in San Francisco tech companies have faced layoffs, painting a worrying picture for the industry’s stability in the region.
Have you been unjustly laid off or demoted by your employer? The award-winning employment lawyers at Labor Law Advocates can help you file a claim for financial compensation. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation. Don’t worry; there’s no fee unless we win.
