IBM Corporation, one of the world’s largest computer and software manufacturers, has launched a «soft» return to office program that offers employees to do full-time work under the threat of dismissal.
The orders affected finance and operations teams, and, according to The Registerare caused by the fact that the blue giant «is looking for ways» to replace human workers with artificial intelligence
«AI will be introduced to replace humans», — the site writes, citing sources close to the company. «Outsourcing and hiring of young professionals will continue. They want to keep costs low in the finance and operations departments while investing in other areas, such as consulting, which they see as more favorable because they bring in revenue for the business».
It is also interesting that the order to return to the offices affected employees who live very far from work — in fact, they will have to rent housing, as IBM’s requirement is to live no further than 80 km from the offices. Otherwise, employees will be dismissed and paid severance pay within 3-6 months, depending on the length of their employment with the company.
«People are forcibly displaced, but in a way that is not similar to a normal dismissal to avoid public scrutiny».
The order to return to the offices requires you to be at work at least 3 days a week.
«The management keeps track of everything and provides reminders in private calls, messages and emails», the source says. «If an employee does not comply, they may be escorted to the office in person, or face punishment — and dismissal in the worst case».
It is worth noting that during the financial report for the fourth quarter of 2024, CFO James Cavanaugh assumed that employee reduction will continue at a similar pace to previous years. The Register clarifies that in 2024 9000 employees were laid off (in 2023, for comparison, 3900 people)
The source also claims that «over the past year, people have been quietly offered voluntary retirement or resignation, and the CEO has stated in meetings that «thousands of workers will be replaced by artificial intelligence».
«Management is now heavily focused on layoffs and slowing down hiring. He said thousands, but probably tens of thousands will be replaced over the next few years,» the site’s source concludes.
Earlier, Google offered voluntary resignation to employees of the Platforms & Devices division, which was formed last year, by combining the Pixel, Chrome and Android teams.
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