Qualcomm, a leading chipmaker, has reportedly started layoffs in India, with approximately 1,000 roles potentially affected. This move is part of a broader restructuring that CEO Cristiano Amon describes as a "performance-focused reduction." One affected employee, who had spent nine years at Qualcomm and was earning Rs 70 lakh annually, could face unemployment in this round of cuts. The post highlights the personal implications of corporate layoffs, including home loan repayments and education expenses for her daughter. The restructuring comes amid pressure on the smartphone chip business, Apple's development of its own modem technology, and increasing investment towards artificial intelligence and data centers.
The X user's post also raises concerns about the future of experienced chip engineers in India, suggesting that finding another job at the same salary might not be straightforward, especially for professionals with 15 years of experience earning around Rs 1 crore. The company may cut around 7% of its global workforce of approximately 52,000 employees, which would equate to about 3,600 jobs. Qualcomm has around 20,000 employees in India across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, and Chennai.
The post links the layoffs to changes in Qualcomm's business, citing pressure on smartphone chip sales, Apple's development of its own modem technology, and a shift in investment towards artificial intelligence and data centers. The human cost behind these tech layoffs is evident as many employees, like the woman in the post, face uncertainty about their financial plans built around years of work.
Disclaimer: This story is based on a social media post. The details, including figures, background, and outcomes, have not been independently verified by India Today. The article is intended for informational purposes only, and readers are advised to exercise their own discretion before drawing conclusions or making decisions based on the content.