Apple suspended hiring for most work outside of research and development late last year – specifically in July – as part of its strategy to cut costs. The measure has not been applying to teams working on future devices and long-term projects, but now the situation is changing.
The freeze has now been extended to more jobs, leaving vacancies open when an employee leaves the company. A change that, as Bloomberg reports, is intended to reduce operating costs without having to lay off anyone.
Apple has already won when it comes to retaining human capital
In addition to the reduction in hiring, Apple plans to decrease the frequency of bonuses for some employees. Currently, bonuses and promotions are announced between once and twice a year, which is highly dependent on the division. In addition, there is a bonus pay in April and another in October. Now, Apple is implementing an annual rhythm.
A rhythm that will be extended to the entire company and will result in employees receiving their bonuses in October. A curious date, in fact, as it is easy to relate it to the launches that take place in September and that usually make that quarter one of the ones with the best figures.
In this context, let us recall that Tim Cook himself asked to be paid less in bonuses. Specifically, the highest position at Apple will receive 49 million compared to the 99 million he received for these concepts in 2022.
All of Apple’s moves in this regard stand out enormously against what other tech companies are doing such as Twitter, which has seen thousands of employees laid off, or Facebook which recently announced the layoff of some 10,000 employees. The same goes for Microsoft and the layoff of the AI ethics team and other industry giants.
Apple’s commitment to reduce hiring, not filling some vacancies and adjusting bonuses, including that of Tim Cook himself, sends a clear message. Staff and talent is paramount at Apple and the company prefers to make many other adjustments rather than let members of its team go. A move that has an impact on the products the company is currently working on and also ensures the ability to attract talent in the future.
A clear message that, as several company executives have already commented on many occasions, the core of Apple is people. People who continue to be part of the company while it adjusts economically and, in the meantime, prepares to give us several surprises in the coming months.
