LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, has announced its plans to cut 960 jobs, equivalent to 6% of its global workforce, due to the adverse impact on its paid services during the pandemic. The company, which is owned by Microsoft, disclosed that the job reductions will affect both its sales and hiring divisions worldwide. In a post on the company’s website, CEO Ryan Roslansky explained that the ongoing impact on its Talent Solutions business has been significant, as many companies, including LinkedIn itself, have scaled back their hiring activities.
Roslansky stated, “After weeks of discussion and careful consideration, the executive team and I have made the extremely tough decision to reduce around 960 positions, which accounts for approximately 6% of our workforce, across our Global Sales and Talent Acquisition departments. I am sharing this news today to provide everyone with a clear understanding of these changes and the reasons behind them. I want you to know that these are the only layoffs we are planning.”
It’s worth noting that the layoffs will not occur simultaneously in all LinkedIn offices worldwide. Employees affected in North America, Brazil, select parts of the Asia-Pacific region, and Dubai will receive notifications regarding their employment status within the next 24 hours. Roslansky also mentioned that employees in Ireland, the UK, and Australia have already begun discussions about potential impacts on their roles, with further local processes in place. Employees in France, Sweden, Spain, and Italy will receive information about the proposed impacts on their roles in the coming months.
Furthermore, Roslansky assured that the company will handle this process with thoughtfulness and compassion, providing comprehensive support in terms of financial assistance, healthcare, and career guidance to those affected. He emphasized that this reduction is the only one currently planned by the company.
