Twilio announces 11% of employees will lose jobs in ‘Anti-Racist’ layoffs

The Twilio CEO mentioned in a message to staff that the layoffs are "smart and obligatory."
REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Picture

Twilio CEO Jeff Lawson introduced in a message to all staff that 11% of its workforce can be laid off, stating that they made the layoffs by an “Anti-Racist” and “Anti-Oppression” lens.

The San Francisco-based company communications firm CEO mentioned within the message to staff that the layoffs are “smart and obligatory.”

“I’m not going to sugarcoat issues. A layoff is the very last thing we need to do, however I consider it’s smart and obligatory. Twilio has grown at an astonishing fee over the previous couple years. It was too quick, and with out sufficient concentrate on our most necessary firm priorities. I take accountability for these choices, in addition to the tough choice to do that layoff,” Lawson mentioned.

In figuring out which roles can be impacted within the layoffs, Lawson mentioned that firm officers examined which roles have been most aligned with its 4 priorities, however mentioned that the layoffs have been carried out by an anti-racism lens.

“As you all know, we're dedicated to changing into an Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression firm,” Lawson wrote. “Layoffs like this may have a extra pronounced affect on marginalized communities, so we have been significantly targeted on making certain our layoffs – whereas a enterprise necessity in the present day – have been carried out by an Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression lens.”

Those that have been laid-off will get “not less than” 12 weeks of pay, and a further week per 12 months of service on the firm. They will even obtain the complete worth of Twilio’s subsequent inventory vest.

“I'm deeply sorry to see you all go away Twilio. You might have all been a part of constructing our firm. You’ve been our teammates, companions, and mates. I’m grateful in your contributions to our prospects and our enterprise. And we owe it to you to assist as a lot as we are able to,” Lawson wrote within the message.

Lawson wrote within the announcement that the firm is making the layoffs because it goals to be a worthwhile development firm.

The corporate had 7,867 staff as of Dec. 31, 2021, in response to its December annual report.

Prior to now 12 months, Twilio shares have declined in worth by over 78%.

FOX Enterprise’ Lucas Manfredi contributed to this report.