Devastating Layoffs in Utah Affect Thousands of Workers

Workday, a tech company with a presence in Salt Lake City, Utah, has announced significant layoffs, affecting 1,750 employees nationwide. The decision, which represents 8.5% of the company’s total workforce, was shared by the company’s CEO in a memo sent out on Wednesday, ABC 4 reported.

The layoffs are part of Workday’s broader strategy to shift its focus toward growth and investment in artificial intelligence (AI). As the company pivots toward AI, it is also scaling back its office spaces, though the specific locations impacted have not yet been disclosed.

Despite the cuts, Workday plans to continue hiring for certain roles and in select locations, according to the company.

This round of layoffs is part of a broader trend affecting both Utah and the United States, with many tech companies restructuring to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Data from USA Facts shows that layoffs in Utah are a recurring issue. In September 2024 alone, 25,000 workers were laid off, bringing the total for the year to 202,000. While this number is lower than the spike in layoffs experienced during the 2020 pandemic, it still marks a concerning rise in job cuts.

As the tech industry and other sectors adapt to new realities, many Utahns are facing a tough job market. While severance pay may provide a temporary cushion, finding new employment remains challenging in the current economy. With layoffs continuing into 2025, the year ahead promises to be one of uncertainty and change for both Utah and the wider U.S. job market.

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