Apr 05, 2023 16:00:00

Report that Apple will finally start reducing employees, is the team responsible for the construction and operation of real stores targeted?

In 2023, major IT companies such as

Amazon , Google , Microsoft , Meta , etc. are launching large-scale personnel reductions one after another against the background of concerns about economic recession. Overseas media Bloomberg reported that Apple, which has avoided large-scale layoffs so far, is moving to reduce a small number of employees.

Apple to Layoff Employees, Have Job Cuts in Corporate Retail Teams (AAPL) - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-03/apple-to-make-small-number-of-job-cuts-in-some-corporate-retail-teams

According to a person familiar with Bloomberg, Apple plans to cut staff in a position called 'development and preservation teams.' This team is said to be responsible for the construction and maintenance of Apple's retail stores and other physical facilities around the world.

Apple is positioning the move as a streamlining effort rather than a layoff. In addition, employees are told that 'this change will improve the maintenance of stores around the world, and the company will provide support to affected employees.'

``The number of positions that will be cut is unconfirmed and likely very small, but this move is another step forward for the world's most valuable company,'' Bloomberg said.

The high profile of the small workforce reduction is due to the fact that Apple has rarely made large-scale job cuts. In 2019, Apple dismissed 190 employees involved in the self-driving car development project, but since then it has not implemented any noticeable personnel reductions even during major changes in the business environment such as pandemics.

Apple dismissed 190 employees, affecting the automatic driving car development project 'Titan' - GIGAZINE

Below is a graph showing changes in the number of employees at Apple, created by Bloomberg based on company reports. In contrast to the fact that competitors greatly increased the number of employees due to the booming economy from around 2021 to 2022 and were forced to lay off many people due to the subsequent economic downturn, Apple is increasing the number of employees at a constant pace. increase.

Apple has told employees in departments affected by the layoffs that they will be able to re-employ them in the same abundance of jobs as before. Also, those who do not get a new job will be paid four months' salary.

In addition, Apple plans to eliminate some managerial positions. Subjects may be rehired to positions with no reports as so-called Individual Contributors, but may not be paid the same as before.

Apple declined to comment when contacted by Bloomberg.