Exact number of employees and departments affected still unknown
Word has come out today that HTC has laid off about 30 employees and contractors from its HTC America division, which amounts to about 20 percent of its workforce. According to a statement given to The Verge, these layoffs are strategic moves to help “streamline and optimize our organization,” with a focus on slimming down the company amidst lackluster financial results.
At this point it isn’t clear which employees have been let go and from which departments, but sources say that the layoffs spanned across multiple areas of the business. In a time where profits and sales haven’t been as high as expected and HTC’s market share has stayed small or slightly declined in most areas, it really comes as no surprise that layoffs would be coming given the somewhat rocky state the company is in.
Jason Mackenzie, President of HTC America, has said in a letter to employees that those affected by the layoffs will be treated with respect and the company will provide them with resources necessary to continue their careers elsewhere. HTC’s official statement is quite lengthy, and can be found after the break.
Source: The Verge
Today’s reduction in force is a decisive action by HTC Corp (US) to streamline and optimize our organization and improve efficiencies after several years of aggressive growth. Realigning its human resources against key strategic initiatives will help HTC more effectively advance into a new stage of growth and innovation. This is a hard decision that has direct impact on people who have contributed to the growth HTC has experienced the past several years. However, to achieve our long-term goals as a business and return maximum value to our shareholders, this is a necessary step to drive ongoing innovation, ensure our ability to create strong products like the HTC One, and forge strong customer relationships that solidify our future. HTC is proud of its employees and has a track record of hiring the best and brightest; we continue to hire in strategic areas and encourage impacted employees to apply for open positions that are a fit for their skills.