LinkedIn’s Latest Move: 668 Job Cuts Bring Total Layoffs to Nearly 1,400

LinkedIn, a platform known for connecting professionals and fostering business relationships, has been making waves recently with its plans for AI-powered tools.

However, the company is now making headlines for a different reason: the announcement of 668 job cuts. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this significant decision and what it means for LinkedIn’s future.

668 Job Cuts

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LinkedIn’s latest move has left many in the tech industry surprised. The company is set to lay off 668 employees, and it’s not the first time this year.

Just five months ago, LinkedIn had announced 716 job cuts alongside the decision to phase out its app in China. Today’s cuts bring the total number of layoffs to a staggering 1,384 for the Microsoft-owned platform.

R&D Takes the Hit

It’s worth noting that the majority of the layoffs, approximately 563 of them, are concentrated in Research and Development (R&D). This impacts various teams, spanning engineering, product development, talent acquisition, and finance. This signals a significant shift in the company’s focus.

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LinkedIn’s decision to cut jobs is not happening in isolation. In 2023, the technology sector has witnessed more than 242,000 layoffs, according to employment tracker Layoffs.fyi. It’s a reflection of the dynamic nature of the tech industry, where companies constantly adapt to changing landscapes and priorities.

LinkedIn’s Statement

In response to the layoffs, LinkedIn issued an unsigned statement, expressing its commitment to supporting impacted employees during this transition. The company emphasizes that it is adapting its organizational structures and decision-making processes to align with its strategic priorities.

While the statement doesn’t provide specific details about these priorities, a refocus on hiring more AI talent is a likely part of the equation. LinkedIn’s push into AI-powered tools reflects its determination to leverage technology to enhance user experiences and offer valuable services to members and customers.

Microsoft’s Wing

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It’s essential to remember that LinkedIn became part of Microsoft in 2016, with a hefty price tag of over $26 billion. Since then, it has become less transparent in terms of financial and operational metrics.

Nevertheless, in Microsoft’s full-fiscal-year earnings report in July 2023, it was revealed that LinkedIn had amassed more than 950 million members and generated over $15 billion in revenues. Talent Solutions, a pivotal offering, contributed more than $7 billion.

The report also highlighted LinkedIn’s commitment to utilizing AI to connect members and customers with opportunities and expertise. AI-powered collaborative articles have emerged as a significant traffic driver for the platform, reinforcing LinkedIn’s dedication to innovation and the value it offers its users.

Conclusion

LinkedIn’s decision to cut 668 jobs is a significant development in its ongoing journey. As the platform adapts and evolves, it’s clear that strategic priorities are at the forefront of its plans.

While the specifics of these priorities are not disclosed, a focus on AI talent suggests an exciting path ahead. As LinkedIn navigates change and continues to serve its vast user base, the tech industry keeps a close watch on its evolution.

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