Breaking: Tech Recession Hits Dell Hard with 5% Global Layoffs
Dell, a leading computer manufacturer, has announced plans to eliminate approximately 6,650 positions, which constitutes 5% of its global workforce, according to a report by Bloomberg. In a memo dated Monday, Jeff Clarke, Co-Chief Operating Officer at Dell, stated that the company has reached the conclusion that its prior cost-cutting initiatives, including a hiring freeze and restrictions on travel, have been inadequate, given the current market conditions that are becoming increasingly challenging with an uncertain future outlook.
The job cuts were announced as a result of the declining demand for personal computers and laptops. With the PC market experiencing a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading computer manufacturers are now facing a sharp decrease in demand. According to industry analyst IDC, Dell's computer shipments showed a 37% decrease during its recent holiday quarter, compared to the same period the previous year. Bloomberg reported that Dell generates 55% of its revenue from PC sales.
Related: Biggest tech layoffs since Covid-19
Jeff Clarke stated that the job reductions are critical for Dell's long-term viability and success. The company views the department reorganizations as a means to increase efficiency and drive innovation. Following the layoffs, Dell's global workforce will be at its lowest level in six years, with approximately 39,000 fewer positions compared to the 165,000 full-time roles reported in January 2020, as reported by Bloomberg. ‘We’ve navigated economic downturns before and we’ve emerged stronger,” said Clarke. “We will be ready when the market rebounds.’
Dell is not the only computer brand being affected by the decreasing demand for hardware. In November, HP announced plans to eliminate approximately 6,000 jobs, and Lenovo let go of an undisclosed number of employees in its US workforce in December 2022. The broader technology industry has been impacted by the economic downturn, characterized by slow growth, excessive hiring, and supply chain disruptions. Major tech companies, including Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, have all recently announced significant job cuts.
The technology sector, which has been a driving force of innovation and growth, is now facing significant challenges that are likely to have far-reaching implications for the industry. These developments serve as a warning sign of a larger economic slowdown and a reminder of the need for companies to prepare for uncertain times ahead.
Source: The Verge
Recession, yes.. other companies in this business is having way more difficulties.
Sad news, indeed. I’ve had very good experiences with Dell, for many years. Expecting some more.
Thanks, for the article.
I want to buy another PC case to chuck some old junk parts into and build an offline Windows 7 gaming machine but I’m not interested in paying modern extortionate prices just for a simple PC case. Seriously I have all the required parts, except for the case.
Maybe if I wait a few months the prices will come down? Seems like the PC industry is gradually figuring out that price-gouging consumers is not a viable strategy in a recession. I’m still laughing so hard at the prices of AM5 motherboards and DDR5 memory.
Is there no common sense in these businesses? I thought most people knew including economists this boom during the pandemic wouldn’t last. When people started going to work and life normalizing the economy was bound to recede. The invasion was the final straw.
Seems like when corporations in the US sense an economic boom they’re like:
-We’re hiring, 10K+ jobs available!
-Recession hits the world.
-Sorry everyone we over-hired, we’re letting all of you go now! See ya!
Just a little bit of moderation would have prevented this.
I wonder why layoffs come always after reporting record profits for a lot of companies.
And after giving executives rises and bonuses.