For the last few months, layoffs in the tech industry have been more frequent than usual. Companies like Okta, US Cellular, HelloFresh and Grubhub have all cut employees. On top of that, many large technology firms are reducing the number of tech support employees they’re offering to their clients. This decrease in workforces from big companies creates an opportunity for small business owners to offer boutique tech support services.
One of the main reasons behind the mass layoffs is a correction to overhiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. People used more technology than ever during the pandemic, ordering online groceries to be picked up or delivered, streaming movies and even taking classes at home instead of attending a physical classroom. This surge in use prompted tech companies to hire in a hurry, and many have found they hired too much.
Another reason why so many layoffs have occurred is because of a slowing economy and fears of recession. This has caused many investors to call for tech companies to scale back their teams and save money.
A new study conducted by University of Washington researchers has also revealed that those laid off from their jobs in the tech sector are ambivalent about their careers in the industry. Researchers recruited 29 former tech workers to answer questions about their feelings about working in the industry, and to reflect on topics like job searching and workplace organizing. The results of the study were presented on April 30 at ACM CHI 2023 in Yokohama, Japan.