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Anyone know why the ~15% number keeps showing up in recent layoffs? The startup I was at recently laid of 15%. I'm pretty sure it wasn't for (public) optics,
by CoastalCoder 4y ago
Anyone know why the ~15% number keeps showing up in recent layoffs?
The startup I was at recently laid of 15%. I'm pretty sure it wasn't for (public) optics, because the layoff didn't get any press coverage.
And based on the startup's business, I very much doubt the layoff was triggered by ChatGPT's success.
My best guess would be behind-the-scenes VC strategizing, but this is happening even with publicly traded companies like DropBox.
- chrisco255 4y agoIt's like a safe sounding number that cuts back on expenses but doesn't spook your existing employees and investors. Besides, you can always do another 15% in six months if need be. If you say, "we're laying off 70% effective immediately" it will sound like the ship is going down.
- CoastalCoder 4y agoIt's a plausible theory. Is there evidence that this is the specific reasoning that companies are using?
- xboxnolifes 4y agoWell, if the market hurts 15%, needing companies to find a 15%, wouldn't you expect layoffs to be around 15%, which would be similar for most companies?