Introduction to Automattic’s Restructuring
Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, has announced that it will be terminating 16% of its employees. This decision was made by Matt Mullenweg, the company’s founder, in an effort to increase productivity and capacity to invest. Despite being in a period of growth and profitability, Automattic is looking to improve its position in a highly competitive market.
Reasoning Behind the Decision
The company’s announcement explains that the decision to let go of employees is not due to financial struggles, but rather a desire to become more profitable. This move is seen as a way to "squeeze more juice out of less oranges," meaning that Automattic wants to achieve more with fewer resources. This decision may come as a shock to the employees who were terminated, especially considering that many of them had chosen to stay with the company six months ago when they were offered a severance package.
Impact on Employees
Several former Automattic software engineers have taken to LinkedIn to announce that they are looking for new job opportunities. One such engineer, Mike Straw, posted that he was part of a "sizable group of folks" who were suddenly laid off. He expressed his appreciation for any support or leads on new job opportunities. This news is likely to be difficult for those who were let go, especially considering that they had been enjoying their work at Automattic.
Reaction from Affected Employees
Just three weeks ago, Mike Straw had posted about his experience working at Automattic, highlighting the positive aspects of his job. The sudden change in circumstances is likely to be challenging for him and others who were terminated. The news of the layoffs has sparked a reaction from the affected employees, with many taking to social media to share their experiences and seek support.
Official Announcement
Automattic has released an official announcement regarding the restructuring, which can be found on their website. The announcement provides more information on the company’s decision and its plans for the future. It is clear that Automattic is committed to improving its productivity and profitability, even if it means making difficult decisions.
Conclusion
The news of Automattic’s restructuring and the termination of 16% of its employees is likely to have a significant impact on the company and its former employees. While the decision may be seen as a necessary step towards increased productivity and profitability, it is undoubtedly challenging for those who were let go. As the affected employees look to the future and seek new opportunities, it is clear that Automattic’s decision will have far-reaching consequences.