Netflix lays off 6% of its workforce: Employee shares why he feels ‘relieved’: ‘I have no idea…’

Streaming giant Netflix is getting rid of 1,000 jobs – which amounts to six per cent of its workforce, according to a Wall Street Journal report. In an email sent to employees on Wednesday morning, Netflix co-chief executives Greg Peters and Ted Sarandos reportedly stated that the majority of the job reductions would impact departments such as product development, technology, legal affairs and human resources.

According to the report, the executives emphasised that the streaming company would continue to channel substantial investments into areas expected to deliver significant results, while carefully evaluating how funds and other resources were distributed across its operations. They also reassured staff that Netflix remained on course to achieve its earnings target for the full financial year.

In light of the layoffs, one post on the subreddit Work has gone viral. One Reddit user admitted that he feels awful that he has survived the Netflix layoffs. His post was frank and quite brutal in its honesty. He said he hoped the streaming giant would have fewer people; it might mean bigger bonuses for existing workers. He admitted he was feeling guilty about having such selfish thoughts, as these were actual people he had known and worked with, not just numbers on a budget.


He also acknowledged that he has become insecure about his job now since he could lose it anytime.

Redditors Respond

One Reddit user assured the poster he wasn't being a monster. He was experiencing survivor’s guilt and needed to fulfil responsibilities such as paying the mortgage. Another commenter said he had survived five years and four rounds of layoffs at a company and showed empathy to people who got laid off by providing references. He also shared a bitter truth: “In the end, we’re all just numbers, and in this economic/job market climate, the question for us survivors is not 'if' but 'when.'"

According to the WSJ, the layoffs occurred as the streaming portal had to contend with faltering viewership statistics.