虎嗅APP·2025-12-16 13:38Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the alarming rise in layoffs in the U.S., with over 1.17 million employees laid off as of November, marking a 54% increase from the previous year, reminiscent of the 2008-2009 financial crisis [5][6]. Group 1: Causes of Layoffs - The primary cause of layoffs is attributed to the efficiency revolution led by the DOGE department, resulting in 293,753 federal employees and contractors losing their jobs, with an additional 20,976 in the private and non-profit sectors, an eightfold increase compared to 2024 [15]. - The macroeconomic environment, characterized by high costs and tariffs, is also a significant factor, as many companies face debt repayment pressures from loans taken during the low-interest period of 2020-2021 [18][19]. - Retail, service, and food industries are the hardest hit, with retail experiencing a 20% drop in consumer confidence and significant job cuts from companies like Target and Starbucks due to rising prices and reduced consumer spending [27][30][32]. Group 2: Impact on Different Sectors - The retail sector has seen massive layoffs, with companies like Target cutting 1,800 jobs and Starbucks 900 due to decreased consumer spending [30]. - The service industry has also been affected, with 69,089 layoffs, a 64% increase, as companies like UPS cut 14,000 management positions to improve efficiency [30]. - The food industry faced 34,165 layoffs, with rising costs leading to job cuts in beef processing companies [32]. Group 3: Technology and Management Changes - The technology sector has contributed significantly to layoffs, with 35% of the total layoffs coming from this industry, particularly affecting middle management roles [47][48]. - Companies are increasingly using layoffs as a management tool to improve profitability, with a new focus on revenue per employee as a key performance indicator [50]. - The trend of cutting middle management has led to immediate operational cost savings, with companies like Amazon and Verizon reporting significant efficiency improvements after layoffs [57]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The technology sector is expected to continue this trend, with predictions of a peak in cost-cutting benefits by 2026, potentially reducing operational costs and increasing profit margins [60]. - However, the loss of middle management, which often holds critical technical knowledge, may extend product development cycles and hinder innovation [65][74]. - The article warns that excessive cost-cutting could erode the foundation of innovation in the tech industry, leading to a talent shortage and reduced research and development investment [75][73].