There's been a lot of posturing here over the years about how <insert famous tech company> doesn't do layoffs, but we're starting to see that not even they are immune anymore. I hope everyone has some savings put aside if things really do turn to shit.
I predict that some of these companies will try to avoid the taint of layoffs by doing them in sneaky ways. One classic method is using "performance" reviews to reduce/deny bonuses and equity awards, or in some cases simply terminate people whose objective performance is fine. Another is to cancel projects or reorganize, offering the "opportunity" for an internal transfer except that many will be surprisingly unable to find a "fit" before time runs out. Zealous (but selective) enforcement of previously ignored policies is a third. If you currently have a "handshake deal" for a 10-on/4-off schedule, or "business" travel that's really about getting to see your girlfriend more often, or an exemption to some IT policy, watch out.
Driving "natural" attrition isn't hard, as companies like IBM and DEC realized long ago. Anyone working at a FAANG or similar company should get used to watching their steps very carefully, and consciously aligning with the "in" crowd even more than was already the case.
Given the rapidity which people move around at FAANGs just slowing down hiring can be enough to be an effective reduction in force.
The problem with people leaving voluntarily is that they’re often your best performers (and so have the best outside prospects) whereas the people who “have it good” are less likely to rock the boat.
Hiring pause/freeze are not strictly defined terms. Some firms mean true freezes with no further hiring, others allow back fill for any position and still others allow backfill for nominated positions.
I don’t know what Metas rules are but generally speaking strict hiring freezes are the rarest form.
I don’t think that’s true, that’s based on one LinkedIn post that had some extenuating visa issues. Also hiring is still open for E5+ ML and E6+ generally.
Wasn't singling out Meta specifically, but based on how relentless they had been with their recruiter spam there must be a lot of disappointed folk out there.
