2020 was a problematic year marking the first global pandemic of the century. As Covid managed to interrupt every aspect of life, most industries struggled in some way or another. Over six months, more than 60 million Americans filed for unemployment. While technology-based businesses have consistently done well in the 21st century, there were also plenty that struggled over the last fiscal year. By the start of the fourth quarter, there was plenty of evidence to determine which companies had the most extensive layoffs, an uncomfortable distinction. These companies are doing all they can to rebound in 2021, but as of now, here is a list of tech companies suffering significant layoffs in 2020.
Uber is arguably one of the most significant disrupters to any industry in the last two decades. Its ability to offer a new avenue for how private transit can operate revolutionized the personalized and privatized transportation experience. Unfortunately, the closed confines of a car don’t seem idyllic for any sort of movement amid a viral pandemic. When cities and states lockdown workplaces and restrict access to cultural experiences, uber’s purpose becomes significantly less relevant. Uber suffered 3,000 jobs lost at its corporate offices and knows how many private contract drivers have been struggling because of these circumstances.
Hitachi Ventura is a global analytics, IoT, and storage developer that employed around 12,000 people at the start of the pandemic. It has maintained a steady growth and is generally known as a company that retains employees and slowly grooms them upward. Unfortunately, Hitachi took a hit like so many other companies and could have lost up to 1,500 employees (although the company disputes that number). Hitachi’s purchase and addition of Waterline Data in January of 2020 are thought to have played a key role in determining the need for downsizing amidst Covid.
One of the most potent communications networks in the country, AT&T is a Dallas-originated multinational corporation with interest in media, entertainment, information, internet services, telephone services, and much much more. As such an enormous company with so many varied interests, it comes as no surprise that some of their sectors had to be downsized to cope with the adjustments of the Coronavirus. In June, the company revealed they would be cutting 3,400 jobs across the company, many of which were technician and clerical positions. While already alarming, this also flies contradictorily in the face of their pledge to utilize their 2018 tax cut to create jobs and improve bonuses.