Menguak Fakta Maraknya Kasus PHK di Perusahaan Start-Up #SeputariNewsPagi 24/11

Summary

The video discusses the ongoing wave of layoffs (PHK) affecting both Indonesian and global tech companies, particularly startups. Companies like Goto, Ruangguru, Shopee, and Zenius have all made substantial workforce cuts due to economic challenges, competition, and changing funding environments. On a global scale, major players like Meta, Twitter, and Amazon have also conducted mass layoffs. Despite the turmoil, the startup industry remains appealing to young job seekers who are enhancing their skills. The government is urged to address these layoffs and support affected workers with programs like unemployment benefits and job training.

Takeaways

• 😀 The massive wave of layoffs (PHK) has affected tech companies worldwide, including startups and large corporations such as Goto, Meta, and Shopee Indonesia.
• 😀 Goto, after its merger with Tokopedia, laid off 1,300 employees, around 12% of its workforce, due to global macroeconomic challenges and a significant financial loss of 13.65 trillion IDR.
• 😀 Indonesian Edutech giant Ruangguru also laid off hundreds of employees, some claiming up to 50% of their total workforce, despite assurances of severance pay and counseling.
• 😀 Shopee Indonesia faced its third round of layoffs, cutting hundreds of jobs, despite previously laying off 3% of its 6,000 employees. The parent company, Sea Group, also cut 7,000 employees globally.
• 😀 Other startups affected include Zenius and fintech company LinkAja, both of which carried out significant layoffs due to restructuring and market challenges.
• 😀 Globally, more than 126,000 startup employees were laid off between June and October, with over 900 tech companies involved in this wave of job cuts.
• 😀 The main reasons for these layoffs include the emergence of new competitors, difficulty in securing funding as investors become more selective, and a slowdown in market growth due to reduced spending.
• 😀 Global tech giants like Meta, Twitter, and Amazon have also faced massive layoffs. Meta laid off 11,000 employees due to poor investments, while Twitter reduced its workforce by 4,400 after Elon Musk's acquisition.
• 😀 Amazon is also in the process of laying off 10,000 employees, starting with its device and services division, with more layoffs expected through next year.
• 😀 Despite the layoffs, startups remain attractive to young job seekers looking to enhance their skills quickly, though some layoffs have been sudden and without prior warning, especially for managerial positions.
• 😀 BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Indonesia's employment insurance program, provides support to laid-off employees through severance pay, job market information, and career training, helping workers transition after losing their jobs.

Q & A

What has caused the recent surge in layoffs (PHK) in tech companies, particularly in startups?

The surge in layoffs is mainly caused by macroeconomic challenges, including the global economic slowdown, reduced investor interest, and the increased cost of capital. Additionally, the rise of new competitors and the inability of companies to sustain their user base due to the end of promotional discounts have contributed to the situation.

How has Gojek-Tokopedia (Goto) responded to the economic challenges?

Goto announced the layoff of 1,300 employees, representing 12% of their workforce. This decision was taken due to the significant losses faced by the company, amounting to 13.65 trillion Rupiah. Affected employees received severance packages and counseling services.

How severe were the layoffs at Ruangguru and what is their stance on this?

Ruangguru laid off a significant number of employees, reportedly up to 50% of their total workforce. While the company denied this percentage, they assured employees that severance packages and career counseling would be provided to those affected.

What steps has Shopee taken in response to financial struggles?

Shopee Indonesia went through its third wave of layoffs, shedding hundreds of employees. Earlier in the year, Shopee had already laid off 3% of its workforce. The company, along with its parent company Sea Group, also reduced travel expenses, halted business expansions, and pulled out of markets like Spain, France, and India.

What global trends are contributing to mass layoffs in tech companies?

Globally, the tech industry is seeing a 'tsunami' of layoffs due to competition from new platforms, a decrease in funding from more selective investors, and a slowdown in user growth due to market saturation and the end of discounts. Additionally, the global economic downturn and rising interest rates have put further pressure on these companies.

What challenges did Meta (Facebook) face leading to the mass layoffs?

Meta had to lay off 11,000 employees, around 13% of its global workforce, due to large-scale investment mistakes and intense competition. The company experienced substantial financial losses, amounting to 155 trillion Rupiah, mainly due to miscalculations in its investments and strategy.

How has Twitter been impacted by the leadership changes under Elon Musk?

Under Elon Musk's leadership, Twitter experienced two rounds of massive layoffs, reducing its workforce by 4,400 contract workers, leaving only 1,000. The layoffs were driven by severe financial losses, with the company losing over 4 million dollars daily.

What has been Amazon's approach to managing layoffs?

Amazon is set to lay off 10,000 employees, starting with its device and services division. This process is expected to continue into the next year as part of the company's restructuring efforts to align with changing business needs.

How have employees reacted to the increasing layoffs in the tech industry?

Despite the wave of layoffs, there is still optimism among younger workers, particularly in startups. Many are focusing on enhancing their skills and pursuing new opportunities. Additionally, startups are still considered attractive due to their fast-paced growth potential, even though job stability may be uncertain.

What is BPJS Ketenagakerjaan's role in supporting laid-off workers?

BPJS Ketenagakerjaan provides several programs to support workers who lose their jobs, including cash benefits (Jaminan Kehilangan Pekerjaan or JKP), access to job market information, and training opportunities to help them find new employment.