Freshworks layoffs: A personal perspective

When I first heard about the recent layoffs at Freshworks, I was shocked and saddened. I had worked with some of the people who were let go, and I knew how talented and hardworking they were. I couldn't imagine how they must be feeling.

I've been in the tech industry for over 10 years, and I've seen my fair share of layoffs. But this one felt different. Freshworks is a successful company with a strong track record of growth. They had just raised $1 billion in funding, and they were planning to expand their operations.

So why the layoffs? The company said it was a necessary step to "streamline" its operations and "focus on key strategic priorities." But to me, it felt like a betrayal. Freshworks had always been a company that put its employees first. They offered generous benefits, flexible work hours, and a culture of respect and collaboration.

I understand that businesses need to make tough decisions sometimes. But I believe that layoffs should be a last resort, not a first one. And I worry that the layoffs at Freshworks are a sign of a larger trend in the tech industry.

In recent years, we've seen a growing number of tech companies laying off employees, even when they're profitable. This is due in part to the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, which is making it possible for companies to do more with fewer people.

But I believe that this trend is also due to a change in corporate culture. In the past, companies were more likely to invest in their employees and their long-term success. But today, many companies are more focused on short-term profits and shareholder value. This is leading to a more disposable workforce, where employees are seen as interchangeable parts that can be easily replaced.

I'm not saying that Freshworks is a bad company. I believe that they made a mistake with the layoffs, but I also believe that they are a good company with a strong future. I hope that they will learn from this experience and become a more employee-centric company in the future.

In the meantime, I urge other tech companies to think twice before laying off employees. There are other ways to streamline operations and cut costs without resorting to layoffs. And I believe that companies that invest in their employees will be more successful in the long run.

Additional thoughts:

• I'm not sure if the layoffs at Freshworks are a sign of a larger trend in the tech industry. But I do believe that it's a symptom of a larger problem: the growing inequality between CEOs and workers.
• In recent years, CEO pay has skyrocketed, while wages for the average worker have stagnated. This is creating a situation where CEOs are becoming increasingly out of touch with the needs of their employees.
• I believe that companies need to start paying their fair share of taxes and investing in their employees. Only then will we be able to create a more just and equitable society.